WBC Sanctions Errol Spence Jr. Vs. Keith Thurman

Errol Spence Jr’s fight against Keith Thurman will reportedly be sanctioned by the WBC. 

According to Boxing News 24, for Spence, the fight will count as a mandatory defense of his title with the organization. Spence has not had a mandatory defense since December 2020 against Danny Garcia. 

Despite that, there still won’t be a title on the line, Boxing News 24 added. 

It was previously reported by Boxing Scene and ESPN that Spence was going ahead with his WBC ordered fight against former champion Thurman. But the WBA had stepped in and approved a non-title matchup. 

Spence was last in action in April when he defeated Yordenis Ugas for the WBA belt. He was scheduled to fight WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford in an undisputed title fight, but that fell through after months of negotiations; Crawford reportedly declined because Spence’s team and PBC were not transparent about event expenses since their purses are not guaranteed. 

Crawford went on to face David Avanesyan because he said that he wanted to fight at least once in 2022. Spence said that he still wants the fight, but won’t be staying in the division much longer. 

Thurman, meanwhile, returned after a nearly three-year absence. He defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision in February 2022 and has been trying to climb his way back to the top of the division. 

The Spence-Thurman fight reportedly won’t happen at welterweight. 

It’s unclear if the two have signed contracts yet.