The welterweight summit showdown that people doubted would ever happen could finally happen this year.
Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford have reportedly agreed to financial terms to unify the four major welterweight titles, which are scheduled to be fought on November 19 in Las Vegas, ESPN reports. WBO champion Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) has reportedly agreed to keep the short end of the financial pie, according to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. The agreement remains unsigned at this time while attorneys sort out the particular legal jargon.
Among the terms of the deal is a rematch clause that the loser can invoke, and the winner is entitled to the lion’s share of the purse.
The two undefeated boxers have surrounded each other for several years as the top rising stars in the 147-pound division, but their rises have been stunted without this marquee showdown. Both fighters have publicly taken the position that it would be nice to do the fight, but it wouldn’t be a make-or-break situation if it didn’t happen. Crawford told reporters in 2020: “I have accomplished so much in the sport of boxing that [don’t] I really need it,” referring to a fight with Spence, while Spence said earlier this year: “I don’t think it’s something I need to be an all-time great because I don’t think [Felix] Trinidad was indisputable.”
With Manny Pacquiao retired and with no other significant fights to make at 147 pounds at the moment, there has never been a greater urgency to make the fight.
Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is coming off one of his best performances yet, a dominant 10th-round stoppage victory over Yordenis Ugas in April to add the WBA belt to the IBF and WBC belts. that I already had.
Crawford hasn’t fought since last November, when he stopped Shawn Porter in 10 rounds to retain his title. After the fight, he announced that he was leaving longtime promoter Top Rank.
Crawford is ranked no. 3 pound for pound for The Ring, while Spence is right behind him at no. Four.
