Errol Spence: I Wanted Ray Leonard As My Advisor

Errol Spence Jr. is one of the most well-known boxers in the sport and has become a centerpiece of Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions stable of fighters. Yet, history could have been a bit different if a young Spence was able to land his first choice.

“Right before I first turned pro I sent a video tape to Sugar Ray Leonard. My coach [Derrick James] had the idea first to send some tapes to him,” said Spence to BoxingScene.com.

“I wanted him to be my advisor. I wanted to go his route. It was one of my amateur tapes to show [Leonard] that I could fight and wondering if he would advise my career. I don’t think they ever got back to me.”

Spence makes the biggest step of his pro career on March 16th, as he and fellow PBC fighter Mikey Garcia headline a card from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for a nationally broadcast FOX card, while Leonard has no idea what happened to that video tape.

“You can let him know that I’ll check with my assistant on what happened [chuckles,] because normally I respond, particularly to young fighters,” said Leonard, who called Spence “a rare, special fighter and a man who could be successful in any era.”

“There could have been a multitude of things that could have happened [to the video tape.] But I’m glad Errol signed with [Haymon,] because I love the way he fights, his style and what he’s done to have such a great career.”

“Looking back, I would have missed out on a great opportunity of signing with Mr. Haymon,” said Spence.

“So, everything happens for a reason, but I’ve got a bone to pick with Sugar Ray Leonard. He’s still got one of my tapes somewhere in his office.”

Initial Report: Boxing Scene