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“I Don’t Do Lines”: Errol Spence Jr Clarifies Terence Crawford Over Common Opponent For Next Fight

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Terence Crawford

The boxing world witnessed a plot twist on Saturday night, and undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford isn’t throwing any punches of joy. Errol Spence Jr. is coming back in the ring after a lengthy cataract injury layoff. Now he’s made a move that sent shockwaves through the welterweight division. Spence, instead of setting his sights on a highly anticipated rematch with Crawford, chose a bold strategy.

Spence Jr. entered the ring after Sebastian Fundora‘s victory and directly confronted the new champion, even proposing a potential fight location. This audacious move throws a wrench into plans for a Crawford-Spence rematch, a fight that had boxing fans buzzing. Crawford thoroughly dominated Spence last year to unify the welterweight titles, and a second showdown seemed like the natural next step. Spence’s actions suggest a different path. He might be looking for a fresh challenge instead of an immediate rematch.

Errol Spence Jr. gives a smart reply to Terence Crawford

A brutal war unfolded in the T-Mobile Arena last night, shattering an Australian dream. Tim Tszyu, aiming to follow in his legendary father’s footsteps, fell short in his quest for unified world champion glory. Stepping into the ring against Sebastian Fundora, a late replacement opponent, Tszyu fought valiantly. However, a grueling battle left him bloodied and defeated.

Now, Spence Jr. vowed to fight against the winner of Tszyu-Fundora, so he’s got his eyes on Sebastian Fundora. However, Terence Crawford wants to be ahead against Errol Spence Jr, and stated, “@ErrolSpenceJr sorry buddy you gotta wait in line sir.” So, Spence Jr. responded on the X, and he replied, “Idk champ I don’t do lines ..” So, Fundora surprised everybody by grabbing the title at 154.

Sebastian Fundora was not the one who was predicted to win against Tszyu, however, after participating in one of the goriest fights in the history of boxing, he’s developed respect in the game. Even Tim Tszyu showed his opponent respect after the fight.

Tim Tszyu remains gracious despite it all

A cruel twist of fate derailed Tim Tszyu’s dream of becoming a unified champion in a brutal Las Vegas fight. Tszyu, aiming to honor his father’s legacy, entered the ring against Sebastian Fundora. The fight was tightly contested until the second round, when a clash of heads left Tszyu with a gruesome gash on his head, courtesy of Fundora’s significant height advantage. Despite the horrific wound that severely hampered his vision, Tszyu displayed a true warrior spirit and battled on.

Unfortunately, the judges awarded a split decision victory to Fundora, handing Tszyu his first professional defeat. In a display of remarkable sportsmanship, Tszyu acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances and congratulated Fundora. “These things happen. The momentum was rolling. I was swinging hard in the first rounds and then ‘boom’, you’re blinded completely. But, look, this is boxing. This is part of the sport and it happens. Congratulations to Fundora – he’s the new king at 154 (pounds),” Tszyu said, his voice filled with respect for his opponent.

While the loss stings, Tszyu’s fighting spirit and graciousness in defeat have earned him the respect of the boxing world. Though his championship dreams were put on hold, he’ll be back inside the boxing ring. What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments section.

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BOXING

Sebastian Fundora Vs Terence Crawford To Be Made Offical Soon, WBO Prez Confirms

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As per the reports, the WBO is making a move that could prove symbolic. They’re ordering a fight between Terence Crawford and newly crowned junior middleweight champion, Sebastian Fundora. The problem? Fundora’s eyes are likely set on a different kind of crown – the one atop Errol Spence Jr.‘s head, and the massive payday that comes with it. Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, makes no secret of their desire to maximize their earnings.

Spence, with his impressive record and PPV drawing power, seems the clear choice. This leaves Crawford facing a potential fight with Josh Kelly, a far cry from the high-profile bout he craved. Will the WBO’s order change Fundora’s mind, or will Crawford be forced to take a lesser fight while the ‘Towering Inferno’ chases a bigger payday?

What did the WBO Prez actually say?

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has set the wheels in motion for a potential welterweight showdown. In a social media post, WBO President Paco Valcarcel announced that they will be mandating negotiations between newly crowned junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Terence Crawford, the undisputed welterweight king.

He wrote, “Great fight in Vegas @Tim_Tszyu show again that he is one of the best 154 pounders..Congrats to Tim and @SebastianFundo1 ,tremendous @WorldBoxingOrg title bout in which Fundora received judges decision..Next week wbo will order negotiations for Fundora vs @terencecrawford.” While the WBO’s order sets a clear path forward, boxing fans will be watching closely to see which fight Fundora prioritizes.

However, many boxing aficionados believe that Fundora will experience a better monetary benefit if he plans to fight Errol Spence Jr. first and then move on to clash with Crawford. Even the Mayweather Promotions CEO falls under this category.

Leonard Ellerbe votes for Errol Spence Jr.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz made it abundantly clear that Errol Spence Jr., despite his recent loss to Crawford, is likely to get the winner of the Sebastian Fundora fight. Why? Because Spence is “family” with PBC boss Al Haymon, while Crawford remains a free agent. Ellerbe isn’t shy about the business side of boxing. He highlights the “bigger fight” potential of Spence against Sebastian Fundora, fueled by the lucrative PPV deals a PBC fighter brings.

Crawford’s undeniable talent seems to take a backseat to corporate allegiances. Ellerbe said, “People don’t understand the business. Errol lost a fight. He lost to the better man that night, who is a phenomenal fighter in Terence Crawford. Many people believe he’s the best fighter in the world. But sometimes the performance is different from the business.”

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BOXING

Fundora Says He Would Like To Fight Crawford

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Terence Crawford

WBO and WBC light middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora said he would like to fight his compatriot Terence Crawford.

Fundora said at a press conference:

Recall that in the morning of 31 March

Fundora won a split decision over Tim Tszyu.

The 26-year-old Fundora previously entered the ring for the fight April 2023 and lost to Brian Mendoza by knockout in the seventh round. He has 21 wins (13 by knockout), one defeat and one draw on his record.

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BOXING

Oscar De La Hoya Names “Biggest Money Fight” for Terence Crawford and It’s Not Sebastian Fundora

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford, the undisputed welterweight champion, hasn’t been seen in the ring since his dominant win over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023. Will inactivity hurt his legacy? Fans are eager to see Bud back in action, but who will be his next opponent? Newcomer Sebastian Fundora just pulled off a major upset, becoming the WBO super welterweight champion.

But is Fundora the biggest draw for Crawford? Is he next in line for Crawford? Oscar De La Hoya teases a different opponent, hinting at a matchup that could eclipse all others. Who could be Crawford’s lucrative next dance partner?

Will Terence Crawford finally return to the ring?

Oscar De La Hoya, not long ago, imparted sage advice to Terence Crawford, urging the champ to prioritize legacy over immediate financial gain. “Don’t think about the money and then legacy, think about legacy and then the money,” De La Hoya advised, emphasizing the enduring value of a boxer’s heritage in the sport. Fast forward to now and De La Hoya’s perspective seems to have broadened, encompassing both legacy and lucrative matchups.

His tweet, “Can’t wait, the biggest money fight for both guys. @VergilOrtiz vs @terencecrawford,” pivots sharply towards a bout that promises both financial windfall and a potential legacy-defining moment for Crawford. This shift in focus from De La Hoya underlines a strategic vision for Crawford’s career path, marrying the concepts of legacy and financial success in one fell swoop.

But isn’t Fundora mandated to fight Crawford? And what are his views on this fight suggestion?

Fundora eyes Crawford clash

After a gripping victory that seized the T-Mobile Arena’s spotlight, Sebastian Fundora, the new unified super welterweight champion, is setting his sights on future glories. While the immediate aftermath buzzed with talk of a rematch against Tim Tszyu and a daring challenge from Errol Spence, Fundora’s ambitions stretch further, hinting at a tantalizing showdown with Terence Crawford.

“Whatever they give me. Errol Spence is a great opportunity… but Terence Crawford is the best fighter in the world. I would like to fight him,” Fundora asserted, acknowledging the high stakes. His focus on maximizing fight opportunities, as echoed by his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, underscores Fundora’s readiness to ascend to the pinnacle of the 154lbs division, targeting a clash that could redefine his career.
How would a matchup between Fundora’s towering presence and Crawford’s unparalleled skill reshape the landscape of boxing? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford tells Errol Spence to ‘wait in line’ as they compete to fight new world champion Sebastian Fundora

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Terence Crawford was not impressed with Errol Spence’s attempts to muscle in on his potential fight with Sebastian Fundora.

Both men are actively pursuing a contest against the new WBC and WBO super-welterweight champion after the ‘Towering Inferno’ beat Tim Tszyu on Saturday night to claim the belts.

Fundora’s win was a bloodbath with Tszyu sustaining a horror cut in the second round after being caught with an accidental elbow.

Tszyu valiantly fought on but was unable to do enough to get his hand raised as he fell to the first defeat of his professional career via split decision.

In the immediate aftermath, Spence entered the ring to call out Fundora and drum up interest in their potential fight.

“It’s time to get it on, he’s got the big dog now,” said Spence.

“This is my first time seeing him in person and he’s got pretty good height but we will break him down, we always do.”]

The imposing 6ft 6ins champion then replied: “I think it will be great [fighting him].

“He’s one of the greats right now, he’s one of the pound-for-pounds, so if I can fight him and get a win off of him it will be good history for me again.”

However Crawford, who is the WBO mandatory challenger for Fundora, had a thing or two to say about his former foe’s attempts to jump the queue.

“@ErrolSpenceJr sorry buddy you gotta wait in line sir,” he tweeted.

“You lost sir gotta work yo way back up,” he added in reference to his stoppage victory over Spence last July.

Crawford has activated his status as the WBO’s ‘super champion’ at welterweight to become Fundora’s mandatory challenger at super-welterweight.

The preeminent designation is reserved for fighters who are champions of ‘high recognition’.

Oleksandr Usyk previously used his WBO ‘super champion’ status to become Anthony Joshua’s mandatory in 2021.

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BOXING

“You Look like a Linebacker”: Terence Crawford Reacts as Errol Spence Jr Calls Out Sebastian Fundora

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Terence Crawford

Just a day prior to Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Errol Spence Jr. took to X and declared he wished to face the winner of Fundora vs. Tszyu at 154 lbs. As a result, after Sebastian Fundora, 26, defeated Tim Tszyu, 29, for the WBO and WBC Super-Welterweight titles, the boxer from Dallas called out ‘The Towering Inferno’. The call-out has caught the current WBA, WBO, and WBC Welterweight champion, Terence Crawford‘s notice!

In February this year, WBO President, Paco Valcarcel said that Crawford could move up to 154 lbs from 147 lbs. Therefore, if Spence Jr. now beats Fundora and wins the titles, Crawford will become his mandatory provided ‘Bud’ climbs up to Super-Welterweight. In this context, ‘Bud’ and ‘The Truth’ bantered on social media.

Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. banter on X

With a unanimous victory, the new unified Super-Welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora ended Tim Tszyu’s unbeaten career as a pro. Following Fundora’s impressive win against Tszyu at  T-Mobile Arena, Errol Spence Jr. stepped into the ring to tell Fundora that “it’s time to get it on.” As per ‘The Truth,’ now that Fundora, 6′ 5½″, has “got the big dog” i.e. Tszyu, Spence Jr. must “break him [Fundora] down“. On the other hand, Fundora was open to fighting Errol too.

“He’s one of the greats right now, he’s one of the pound-for-pound. So, if I can fight him and get a win off of him, it would be good history for me again,” replied Fundora. At this, Terence Crawford, who beat Spence Jr. black and blue, took to X to comment about Spence Jr.’s size. “@ErrolSpenceJr n***a you look like a linebacker my guy!” said ‘Bud’ in a friendly tone.

Additionally, Terence Crawford, who plans to move up to 154 lbs and fight for the Super-Welterweight titles as well, said,”@ErrolSpenceJr sorry buddy you gotta wait in line sir.” To which, Spence Jr., whose comeback will not be easy, replied, “Idk champ I don’t do lines.”

Looks like, Terence Crawford will soon move up to Super-Welterweight and challenge Sebastian Fundora for the latter’s titles. In that case, considering Spence Jr. and Crawford both will compete at 154 lbs, it is likely that we will witness a second fight between the two. But, as of now would you like to see Sebastian Fundora fight against Errol Spence Jr. next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. For more boxing updates, follow EssentiallySports!

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BOXING

Terence Crawford reacts to Errol Spence confronting Sebastian Fundora

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Terence Crawford
“Bud” didn’t hold back.

Terence Crawford watched Errol Spence Jr. enter the ring Saturday night and confront newly-crowned WBO/WBC junior middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora for a potential fight. And “Bud” wasn’t feeling Spence’s move at all.

Crawford destroyed Spence last summer to become the undisputed world welterweight champion with many critics and fans alike believing he would clash with the winner of the Tim Tszyu-Fundora fight next.

However, Spence seemingly has other plans and made them known, getting to Fundora face-to-face first and even offering a destination for their potential fight.

Who fights Fundora next remains to be seen.
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BOXING

Terence Crawford to Retain WBO Welterweight Title Ahead of Junior Middleweight Title Tilt

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Terence Crawford

Unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford will be allowed to retain his WBO world title, reports World Boxing News.

Crawford, a two-weight undisputed champion is set to move up to 154 pounds to challenge the winner of Saturday’s junior middleweight title fight between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas.

Last week Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) decided to invoke his right as the WBO welterweight titleholder to enforce his right to a mandatory challenge of the organization’s current junior middleweight titleholder, as per the sanctioning body’s rules.

WBO president Paco Valcarcel confirmed to World Boxing News that Crawford would not be stripped of his title ahead of Tszyu-Fundora. Valcarcel cited Crawford’s relationship with the WBO and his status as a two-time undisputed champion as reasons why he will be allowed to retain the organization’s welterweight title while challenging for its junior middleweight crown.

“[B]ased on Crawford’s merits as a three-division WBO world champion and two-division undisputed champion,” Valcarcel said, “we will allow him to enter the ring and participate as WBO welterweight champion against the winner of Tszyu versus Fundora.”

Valcarcel indicated that a matchup between Crawford and the Tszyu-Fundora winner must take place within 180 days of Saturday’s fight – effectively, before summer’s end.

“We do not want to get ahead of ourselves,” Valcarcel told World Boxing News.

“But they are aware and cognizant that the winner must fight Crawford next.”

Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) was drafted as a late injury replacement for Keith Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs). Initially slated to meet Serhii Bohachuk in a fight to decide the vacant WBC junior middleweight title on the show’s undercard, Fundora was bumped up to the main event when Thurman fell out.

The WBC ultimately decided to put its title on the line in the fight after Fundora was finalized as the new opponent for Tszyu.

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“It’s Good”: Sebastian Fundora responds to Possible Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford Fight Saga

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Tim Tzyu

The winner of Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora is set to face the big sharks of the welterweight class. While the two battle it out for Tszyu’s WBO super welterweight belt and the vacant WBC title, both Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford have expressed their desire to challenge whoever goes home with those titles in their kitty.

On Saturday night, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas, 20-1-1 record holder, Fundora will fight his Aussie opponent, Tszyu, in hopes of grabbing hold of the titles that he’s been chasing for a while. However, that’s not his only incentive. A fight against either ‘Bud’ or ‘The Truth’ will only push him into the elite fighters’ league of the weight class. Is he willing for such an undertaking?

Sebastian Fundora “want one of the guys”

Ahead of his super crucial fight against his undefeated opponent, the Coachella-based fighter was asked his take on the recent callout he received from former unified welterweight champion, Spence Jr. Extending his response beyond Spence Jr., to even Bud, he noted, “It’s good. It’s good. You know, he’s a big, it’s like Thurman, I want one of the guys, why can’t I get one of those fights?”

Earlier on social media, 34-year-old Spence Jr. noted that he was flying to Vegas where the weekend entertainer is slated to happen. He also relayed that he’s eyeing a fight against the winner of it. He wrote, “Headed to Vegas. I want the winner!! #TszyuFundora,” but Tszyu didn’t bat an eye. The Texan was meant to fight Bud in a rematch in December. However, he opted for eye surgery, letting the rematch period elapse.

His opponent, the 2x undisputed champion, Crawford exercised his rights as the WBO welterweight titlist to be nominated as the mandatory challenger for the WBO super welterweight titlist. Meaning, yet again, the winner of Tszyu vs. Fundora.

“He’s finally awake”

Responding to Errol Spence Jr.’s challenge for a fight, the Sydney-origin fighter seemed excited for the potential fight. During an interview with Fight Hype TV, he remarked, “Beautiful, he’s finally awake. I thought he was asleep for a long time.”

On his social media, he also had a similar take on the callout. In a confident tone, he wrote, “Beautiful … these are the types of moments I’ve always wanted.” He also added, “Big moments to be getting the big names into a fight.”

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Promoter Insists Tim Tszyu Won’t Wait Around For Terence Crawford, If The Time Comes

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Terence Crawford

As is often the case with big-time boxing, talk turns to the next big boxing night before the nearest one is already complete.

Not long after Keith Thurman withdrew against Tim Tszyu ahead of this weekend’s fight at the T-Mobile in Las Vegas on Saturday (March 30) than Sebastian Fundora was upgraded from the undercard and talk began to center around what might happen for the winner, specifically Tszyu, in his next steps to conquer America.

The WBO announced that pound-for-pounder and welterweight king Terence Crawford would be in line to face the victor, should the Omaha star opt to box at super welterweight, and that is a marquee fight that Tszyu’s No Limits team would not hesitate to accept.

With a tricky assignment ahead of him on Saturday night against the 6ft 5 1/2in southpaw Fundora, there are some apprehensive faces in the Australian press pack, but George Rose, of No Limits, admits it is hard not to be enthusiastic about his fighter being mentioned in the same breath as the brilliant Crawford.

“Very excited. Very excited,” Rose said, of a possible fight with the Nebraskan genius. “We’re big fans of what Crawford does as a fighter, he’s brilliant. He’s pound for pound champ for a reason, and it’s a great challenge.”

Would Tszyu be ready, if all goes well on Saturday, to go straight in against Crawford?

“I think it’s a timing thing for Tim,” Rose added. “Tim doesn’t like to sit around and wait for fights, so if there’s nothing happening in the next few months, he’ll be straight back in the ring again. He’ll be defending these two belts he wins on Saturday.”

Tszyu, who defends his WBO title and fights for WBC recognition on Saturday – is hoping to make a splash against the late replacement. He’s talked of not wanting just to be in the best fight of the night, or even a fight of the year, but a historic battle that is watched over and over by future generations.

Tszyu is universally respected within the sport, and he has a country behind him, too. Despite fielding their share of divisive boxers over the years – think Jeff Fenech (when he was active), Danny Green and Anthony Mundine – Tszyu, 29, has only served to unite on his way to being unbeaten in 24 fights with 17 stoppage victories.

“He’s the king of Australian boxing,” Rose added. “What he does back there, the vibe, the atmosphere that he builds around boxing in Australia, Tim Tszyu is the face of Australian boxing and he has been for a number of years. The fact that we haven’t been able to come across to the States until just recently, it’s something we were looking at doing just before Covid, but things happen and it gave Tim a chance to keep building in Australia.”

It is Tszyu’s courageous and somewhat bullish nature that has endeared him to fans. He could have sat in a top spot and waited for a title chance, but he stayed active and kept learning against good fighters. He could have rejected Fundora, but he kept the show alive and simply promised to batter a very different opponent instead. No matter.

“Tim’s a guy who never backs down, he will take any fight anytime, and he fights regularly,” Rose said, of how Tim has cultivated his reputation. “He stays in the spotlight. He stays in front of people. Tim fights three or four times a year. Now I know that’s not something champions usually do, but for Tim, he’s not a guy to sit around and look at his belts in the house. He’s a guy who wants to get out there, defend his belts, win more, take big fights, take the opportunities, because you can’t do this forever, unfortunately. So he’s going to make the most of it while he’s a young man.”

Plenty have understandably heaped praise on Fundora for taking the fight, having had a camp preparing further down the bill against Serhii Bohachuk, but Tszyu deserves his credit, too, for taking on a fight against a very different shape and type of fighter. For Rose, he said it’s all in a day’s work for fearless Tszyu.

“You ask any man in the world if they’d take Sebastian Fundora on with 12 days’ notice, any man in the world,” Rose smiled, proudly. “I don’t care who you are, you’re not prepared for a guy that is a foot taller than you, that is a southpaw, that’s completely different than you’ve prepared for… That’s a fight that you need 12 weeks or 12 months to prepare for. He [Fundora]’s an anomaly in the super welterweight-junior middleweight division, but Tim’s turned it around, 12 days’ notice, he’s now got to fight a guy who no one else would take on in that time.”

But for Rose, there is no doubt about how Saturday plays out. It plays out he same way as if Tszyu faces any of the other big names at 154, according to the promoter.

“Look, I absolutely believe that Tim can beat any man. I absolutely believe that,” Rose said. “I believe that he’s the best in the division, and any opportunity that presents itself I always know for a fact that they will always take it – and I’ll always support him 100 per cent.”

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