Mike Coppinger, from ESPN, has reportedly had his press credentials rejected for the Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford fight.
According to the New York Post, the decision was made by PBC. The reasoning behind this is not exactly clear, especially given that Coppinger is a major name in covering the sport.
Despite this being the case, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith will be present to cover the biggest fight in recent memory. As of now, Coppinger has yet to respond to this.
This is not the first time time that such a thing has happened with reporters. In 2015, Floyd Mayweather’s team had banned Michelle Beadle (HBO) and Rachel Nichols (CNN) from the Manny Pacquiao fight.
Thereafter, Nichols had a few choice words to say about the matter.
“Have had a bunch of folks asking questions about the Mayweather issue. Here’s what happened: After asking tough questions of Floyd Mayweather on my program, I was not offered press credentials to cover tonight’s fight. In an email dated April 23, I was told I would only be credentialed for the run-up events through the week, but in bold, italic letters the email stated “you do not have any access Saturday to any services or events,” Nichols
Social Media Reaction
He deserves to be banned he is a very biased writer that is Borden line unprofessional when dealing with PBC fighters
— Street Poet (@MyPoetryHurts) July 28, 2023
He is no boxing commentator he's a fan. If he wants to attend he must buy a ticket. Its about time!
— Gee Wotshela (@GeeWotshela) July 28, 2023
Mike Coppinger has bashed them AND regularly discredits their fighters, especially the undisputed 154 champ. I would too
— A_Conceited_Nobody (@Gr8Paris) July 29, 2023