Errol Spence Jr.’s Trainer Gives His Thoughts On Spence’s Fight Future

Is Errol Spence Jr. the same fighter that competed in an epic clash against Shawn Porter last September?

That is on everyone’s mind following a terrible car accident the IBF and WBC Welterweight Champion was in back in October. Spence (26-0) wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car in the middle of the night. He suffered cuts to his face and damage to his teeth and was charged with a DUI. While he claims to be ready to return, it is unknown how he will actually be once he returns to the ring.

Spence was recently adamant that he does not need or want a tune-up fight when he returns. He is not the only one who feels this way. Trainer Derrick James spoke to Fight Hub about what is next for Spence. He stated that the time off only helped Spence and that he is ready for whatever challenge comes his way.

“I’m grading him every day, looking at him, his reaction times, his technique, his skill set,” James stated, via Boxing News 24. “We’re gradually getting better, so I don’t think we need that tune-up fight.

“Everybody’s been off now, nobody’s been fighting. So he’ll get a fight, and whoever it is, I don’t think it matters. They’re all great fighters.”

Spence won the IBF Welterweight Title against Kell Brook in 2017. Defending it four times, he combined the WBC Title following the split decision win against Porter. He was expected to face off against Danny Garcia before the accident. Recently, a report by The Athletic has Spence returning against Garcia sometime in the next few months. Terence Crawford, the WBO Welterweight Champion, is also interested in fighting Spence.

Due to COVID-19, several boxing entities have been taking a break. Spence has been training to be the best that he can, while also taking advantage of the time off to heal. Motivated than ever before, Spence is ready to prove he can take over the welterweight division.

“I didn’t have to do much, he’s a motivated individual. He feels like he has a lot to prove, and a lot of people counting him out,” James went on to say. “He’s a guy who’s always going to step up to the test, so he’s going to do that and show the world.”