“I Don’t Like It”: Errol Spence Jr Shows Concern as Despite Beating Him, Terence Crawford Fails to Win This Accolade

They might have been the best of adversaries. But they do share mutual respect for one another. Last year, Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. created an epic. The world saw two colossal figures of contemporary boxing clash at the T-Mobile Arena.

Not only did ‘Bud’ emerge the winner, but he also stamped his mark as one of the modern-day greats. He created history by becoming the first undisputed champion in two divisions among men. But probably that wasn’t sufficient enough to have won him one of the year’s most significant commendations. However, he has always been an honorable man. So Errol Spence Jr. took up the cudgels on behalf of his opponent and shared his discomfort publicly. The former unified welterweight champion has yet to return to the ring after his first professional loss. In September, though, he had put in motion his right as the match loser to call upon a rematch with Crawford.

The Rightful Claimant: Errol Spence Jr.

It appears the original post has been deleted. However, talkSPORT‘s Michael Benson shared a screen shot of the same in a post. So Spence Jr. reportedly explained his unhappiness over Terence Crawford not receiving the ‘Fighter of the Year 2023’ award. It’s not that he doesn’t appreciate the move because ‘Bud’ came off a significant triumph last year when he defeated him. But whatever was said and done, Crawford deserved the award rightfully. “I don’t like it cause he won off me. but @terencecrawford should’ve won fighter of the year,” said the New York-born Southpaw.

As most fans and followers know, Naoya Inoue received last year’s ‘Fighter of the Year’ award. The Japanese champion, incidentally, followed Terence Crawford in becoming the second man to become a two-division undisputed champion. The runner-up went to Devin Haney, a feat he repeated for the second year in a row.

The Boxing Writers Association of America states the justification behind the ‘Fighter of the Year’ award. It should be given to, as the award statement reads, “an individual who did the most for boxing in the previous year.”

The Year Gone-By for ‘Bud’

Undoubtedly, Terence Crawford’s triumph was a legacy-making feat. Returning to the ring, nearly six months after the last title defense, he soundly defeated a powerful and one of the fundamentally most durable boxers. Understandably aiming high, he made it clear that he was going after the likes of Jermell Charlo and Canelo Alvarez for a big fight. But talks swerved. A rematch with Spence Jr. also became a reality in the meantime. ‘Bud’ had to relinquish his IBF belt as he didn’t defend it from the mandatory challenger, Jaron Ennis. So did ‘Bud’ pay the penalty for participating in only one bout during the year that was preceded and followed by months of absence from the ring? There are no clear answers so far.

Read More: “Looks More Dangerous”: Terence Crawford Training in Recent Clip Draws Speculations From Fans Regarding Potential Errol Spence Jr. Rematch

What’s your take on Spence Jr.’s observation? Do you agree with him? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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