Errol Spence Jr has activated his rematch clause for a second crack at Terence Crawford following a one-sided loss, but in what weight class is a mystery.
‘The Truth’ entered the July bout with Crawford a slight underdog, but many pundits and fighters called it a pick ’em fight, and some were backing him to win.
What transpired on the night was not close, nor in his favour. Crawford put on a clinic, dropping Spence early and finishing the job in the ninth round. He left the ring as four-belt welterweight champion.
The two-way rematch clause in the contract was well publicised, and that included the weight for the second fight being left to the winner to decide. In the post-fight press conference, Spence asked for the super-welterweight limit of 154lbs.
Steven Nelson – a 19-0 pro from Crawford’s neck of the woods of Omaha, Nebraska – is a childhood friend turned training partner of the champ.
The super-middleweight felt confident enough to reveal the plans from ‘Bud’s side on social media. Responding to an account saying that the rematch doesn’t need to be at 154, Nelson said:
“Facts… and to all the people out here spreading false narratives, Bud is offering Errol a fight at 147. If he doesn’t take it, which we’re hoping he doesn’t because it’s a waste of time, Bud wants to do [something] that’s never been done and move up 3 weight classes to beat Canelo.”
Facts… and to all the people out here spreading false narratives, Bud is offering Errol a fight at 147. If he doesn’t take it, which we’re hoping he doesn’t because it’s a waste of time, Bud wants to do sumn that’s never been done and move up 3 weight classes to beat Canelo https://t.co/39WpCdiUgU
— Steven “So Cold” Nelson (@SoColdNelson) September 15, 2023
If ‘Bud’ is indeed intent on defending his undisputed title at 147, it may be enough to make Spence rethink as it’s no secret he’s getting tight at the weight.
If true, this could be a tactical move from Crawford’s side, as it’s clear he’s looking to move ahead and add more titles in higher weight classes to his legacy.
With only a few years left in boxing, as he has said himself, a rematch for no new accolades can take a big chunk of that time.