Errol Spence Jr., Keith Thurman Closing In On Non-Title Fight

Three-belt welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr will reportedly go ahead with his ordered fight against Keith Thurman, but not much will be at stake.

Boxing Scene and ESPN reported that Spence and Thurman will fight above the welterweight limit. The bout was originally ordered by the WBC for Spence to defend his title, along with his WBA and IBF straps.

The WBA reportedly stepped in and approved the non-title matchup.

Though Spence does not have to defend his titles this time, he will likely be ordered to fight the winner of Eimantas Stanionis vs Vergil Ortiz, who are fighting for the WBA regular title, which has been postponed.

Jaron “Boots” Ennis recently fought his way to a unanimous decision win, claiming the IBF interim welterweight title, earning a rightful spot for a title shot. Ennis has made it clear that he’s still pushing for a matchup against Spence.

Elsewhere, an undisputed title fight against WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford still lingers. Negotiations fell through after PBC reportedly failed to disclose event expenses, allegedly pushing Crawford to fight David Avanesyan, which he won.

Spence has not fought since a tenth-round stoppage of Yordenis Ugas in April for the WBA belt.

Thurman has been trying to rebuild his rep in the welterweight division since losing to Manny Pacquiao. He is coming off of a recent win.