Terrence Crawford ( AP Photo/Chase Stevens)
Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford reportedly ) in a proposed welterweight unity boxing match “in jeopardy” due to unresolved contract issues.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reported on the update Friday, noting that, at the very least, the title race will start on Nov. 19 as expected Day Date Moved:
Mike Coppinger@ Mike Koppinger
Errol, sources tell ESPN, due to lingering contract issues • The undisputed welterweight title fight between Spencer and Terrence Crawford is in jeopardy, and if that fight does happen, it won’t be November 19. 5pm ET with @maxkellerman on ESPN2 #SpenceCrawford pic.twitter.com/jsCg5ME85y
Rumors of a long-awaited showdown deal between Spencer and Crawford date back to In early June, Koppinger reported at the time that the two sides were “closer” to a deal. The fight was silent until mid-September when Jack Donovan of the boxing scene noticed training camp Agreed to ‘Terms in Principle’ round for November 19. It now appears that setbacks in negotiations have put the game on hold again .
While it’s unclear what exactly is holding back contract negotiations, if heavyweight superstars don’t Step into the ring together in what will be a disappointing turn for boxing.
WBC, IBC & WBA Super Welterweight Champion Spencer is 28-0 with 22 eliminations. He will have a 10th round TKO against Yordenis Ugas in April.
WBO welterweight champion Crawford won 29 knockouts 38-0. His most recent victory was TKO General Shawn Porter in the 10th round last November. Division competitors, nothing draws attention like a head-to-head confrontation.
Also, waiting too long for a face-off could create a rift with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015 Showdown was a similar disappointment, which was well below expectations. It would have been more fun if they had fought four or five years ago.
Unfortunately, it’s been almost four months since the first fight, news of a possible deal, and still no final contract, so it’s hard to predict where things will start.
All boxing fans can do is hope that both sides can feel the interest in fighting and find a way to reach a deal, rather than start looking for different opponent.
