After the news earlier this month that Errol Spence Jr has triggered a contractual rematch clause for another shot at Terence Crawford, the expectation is that the second fight between the pair, should it materialise will take place up in weight at super welterweight.
The consensus amongst the boxing world is that this will somewhat increase Spence’s chances of springing revenge over Crawford, who dominated and stopped him in nine rounds to claim the undisputed welterweight world championship on July 29.
However, former hall of fame trainer, Teddy Atlas, has weighed in on a potential second fight between the pair whilst appearing on ProBoxTV – and expressed serious concern for the Texan, and questioned whether fighting at a higher weight would even be of any help to him.
“I’m not over dramatising this. He took such a brutal beating thatI don’t know how you talk about a rematch, I really don’t.
Spence has been a tremendous fighter and was a tremendous champion. But after that beating, I don’t want to see a rematch. I don’t care if it’s at 154lbs, what is that going to change? That he gets hit with more weight behind it.
I don’t see it changing anything. I’m more concerned about his health. I know they’re good people behind Spence, but this is something they need to rethink.
Give him the rest that he needs.”
Though Crawford initially stated he would be willing to oblige ‘The Truth’s request and move up to 154lbs for a second fight, as the winner of the first bout he can dictate the terms and it now appears the weight may prove more of an issue than first thought.
‘Bud’ is said to be less than enthusiastic about the possibility of running it back with Spence, with a super fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez potentially on the table.