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Errol Spence Jr. vs. Keith Thurman: ‘The Truth’ Declines Long-Awaiting Clash

Published 03/19/2024, 8:48 PM EDT

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Errol Spence Jr. has shot down a suggestion from the fans. The American boxer has been on the sidelines since his last fight against Terence Crawford and is currently catering to his eye injury. While it has been almost eight months, there is no timeline for his return. The details are fuzzy, as he has only started hitting the gym. But ‘The Truth’ has clarified one thing: whom he is not fighting next.

Spence Jr., 34, is currently breaking a sweat to get back to his prime physique. Post his injury and recent cataract surgery, he has added mass to his frame, and it doesn’t look like the return is merely a couple of months away. However, the former welterweight champion has yet to make a call on his comeback. So, when asked whether Keith Thurman could welcome him to the ring, he darted back a short, dismissive answer. What did he say?

Errol Spence Jr. has closed the Keith Thurman chapter for good

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The 28-1 record holder turned to his X handle and responded to a fan, who suggested that Thurman, 35, might be a good comeback fight for him. However, the boxer himself doesn’t share the same thoughts. He replied, “Nahh.”

Spence Jr. and Thurman go a long way back, and there was friction and a chase between the two when the latter held the WBA welterweight strap. But ‘One Time’ would then move up to 154 and slump into inactivity. Notably, Thurman has only fought three times in the past seven years, and there are concerns about whether his body could take the same kind of punishment now.

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Moreover, Thurman, at 30-1, was recently scheduled to fight Tim Tszyu for the WBO super welterweight strap. But he had to pull out because of an injury. It remains to be seen when he makes a return to the squared circle himself. So, where does it leave Spence Jr.? What plans does he have?

Read More: “They Must Have Injuries”: Comparing Errol Spence Jr’s Performance to the Dallas Cowboys, Terence Crawford Reacts to Packers’ Dominance in Playoffs

What’s next for ‘The Truth’?

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Spence Jr. is currently hitting the gym after recovering for eight weeks from the cataract surgery he had in January. He had blamed his bad eye for the loss against ‘Bud’. Something similar happened in 2019 when he had to pull out of the fight against Manny Pacquiao because of a detached retina in training.

But the Long Island native has declined to hang up his gloves. “I got my as* beat. Sh*t was past due. I didn’t live exactly like a boxer for the most part,” he declared earlier this year. As he has failed to trigger a rematch clause with Crawford, he has no opponent in sight and might work on his fitness for a while before announcing his return to the ring.

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What do you make of this post by Errol Spence Jr.? Do you believe a matchup between him and Keith Thurman is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Rohit Lohan

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Rohit Lohan is a senior Boxing analyst and writer for EssentiallySports. With over 1000 articles to his credit, Rohit’s expertise has extended beyond mere reporting, with a keen focus on statistical analysis and accurate fight predictions that have garnered significant praise. Noteworthy coverages include Amanda Serrano's bold act of vacating her title in defiance of the WBC, and the creation of a highlight digest encapsulating the best fights of 2023.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha