By Norm Frauenheim –

Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr, a fascinating fight embedded in the public imagination for years, is generating lots of ideas about how it will unfold, yet no idea about how it will end.

That much was evident Thursday in a virtual news conference featuring Shawn Porter and Kell Brook — retired welterweights beaten by both — and respected trainers, Virgil Hunter and Stephen “Breadman” Edwards.

The imagined scenarios were unlimited. So, too, was the insight. In the end, however, there was only one agreement. 

With opening bell on July 29 just a few weeks away, Porter, Brook, Hunter and Edwards agreed – for now — not to pick a winner.

“I don’t have a pick,’’ said Porter, a former two-time 147-pound champion who lost a 10^th-round TKO to Crawford in November 2021 and a split-decision to Spence in September 2019. “I don’t know who is going to win this fight.

“This is what boxing truly is.’’

Truly, true.

It’s why Crawford-Spence has been at the top of the public’s most-wanted list for so long. It also explains why there was so much frustration last fall at news that negotiations had fallen apart.

But the frustration is gone, supplanted by the fascination. There haven’t been too many high-level, high-wire fights during an era ruled by Floyd Mayweather’s risk-to-reward ratio. The formula mitigated the risk, much of the drama and most of the compelling reasons to watch.

Too many fights were easy to pick. Crawford-Spence isn’t.

“I don’t have a pick right now,’’ said Edwards, who was in the corner for Caleb Plant in a tense scorecard loss to super-middleweight contender David Benavidez in March. “That’s the honest truth. I think we’re going to have the Fight of the Century. ‘’

The Century is still young. It’s only 23-years old, still enough time for fights forever etched into history. There was Diego Corrales’ 10^th-round TKO of Jose Luis Castillo in a 2005 epic.

About 21 months ago, there was one that will be remembered as wild, even by the heavyweight division’s extreme standards. Tyson Fury’s crazy, up-and-down 11^th-round KO of Deontay Wilder was buckle-your-seatbelt crazy  

The last 23 years are not a lost era. Still, they are dogged by the one fight seen by more people than any other. Mayweather’s 2015 decision over Manny Pacquiao, also in a welterweight bout, fell short. Before opening bell, It was much hyped and it’s been much derided ever since.

There’s a suggestion – perhaps a prayer — Crawford-Spence can deliver a performance that will close the book on that lingering disappointment.

From Breadman’s perspective, both Spence and Crawford have qualities that remind him of a more celebrated era. He foresees a performance that won’t disappoint.

“I don’t see either guy choking up under the bright lights,’’ he said. “Both guys seem to have that clutch gene. 

“…Every time, I’ve seen one of these guys’ backs against the wall, they up the ante, raise the stakes.’’

Breadman says the fight will make fans want more. That means a rematch. But Breadman meant more than just that.

“I think the casual fan might say: ‘There’s not enough action,’ ‘’ Breadman said. “But for the purist, you’ll see some great, great stuff. It will become a classic.

“I think this one is one I wish was 15 rounds, because I think both guys are 15-round fighters and would have flourished in a 15-round era.’’

The winner? It depends.

Depends, perhaps, on how the bigger Spence rehydrates the week before opening bell at Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, says Hunter, who was Andre Ward’s trainer.

Depends, maybe, on how Crawford adjusts to a blistering desert summer in Nevada after training at altitude in the Colorado mountains, Hunter also says.

“It’s going to come down to very small margin,’’ said Brook, a former 147-pound champion stopped by Crawford in a fourth-round TKO in November 2020 and knocked out by Spence in the 11^th round of a punishing bout in May 2017.

The calculating Crawford, Brook says, possesses a precision that can result in dangerous accuracy. It has a snap, Brook says of a Crawford punch that lands like a whip.

“Very sharp and snapping puncher,’’ said Brook, who won a majority over to Porter in August 2014.

Spence is more fundamental. Once Spence starts to move forward, he can run you over, he says.

“A grinding and thumping kind of power,’’ said Brook, who has felt Crawford’s dynamic snap and Spence’s grinding thump.

“That’s the difference,” Brook added.

Maybe, the drama, too. For now, that’s the only pick.

Valdez-Navarrete Update

 Emerging lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla hopes to take another step in his swift ascent against fellow Mexican Diego Torres Aug. 12 on the ESPN-televised card featuring Oscar Valdez Jr.-versus-Emanuel Navarrete for a junior-lightweight title at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ, Top Rank announced this week.

Muratalla (18-0, 15 KOs) calls himself Danger, a nickname that reflects his unbeaten record, which includes 12 stoppages in his last 13 bouts. He’s also Busy.

He faces an equally dangerous Torres (17-0, 16 KOs) in his third fight in 2023.

 “I couldn’t be more excited to get back in that ring on such a great card,’’ Muratalla said. “I can’t wait to put on another great performance for the fans. I believe this is my time now, and I will continue to show the hard work that’s being put in.”

Muratalla has the momentum. Torres hopes to halt it.

“Fighting against another undefeated fighter is something that I was looking for,’’ Torres said. “It is my way of showing that I am made for this, and I am here to achieve great things.

“I am not afraid. I’m going to give it my all and come out with a great victory.”

Muratalla-Torres has been added to a card also scheduled to include  Richard Torrez Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), a silver medalist for the U.S. at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, against Willie Jake Jr. (11-3-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight bout. 

NEW YORK, NY (July 4, 2023) – The Frisco RoughRiders and DiBella Entertainment are bringing the biggest fight of the year and a night of live boxing to the fight fans of Frisco, TX. On Saturday, July 29, Riders Field will host a viewing party for the long-awaited Errol Spence Jr. versus Terence Crawford undisputed welterweight championship.

Before Spence and Crawford get it on via the jumbotron, a night of live boxing will take place on the field beginning at 7:30 PM. In the main event, scheduled for 10 rounds, Fort Worth’s own Edward “Kid” Vazquez (14-1, 3 KOs), fresh off a big win on Showtime, will fight for the IBF Intercontinental featherweight championship versus hard-hitting Brayan “La Roca” De Gracia (29-2-1, 25 KOs), of Panama, who represents the most experienced opponent of Vazquez’s career.

Once the night of live action is complete, attention will turn to the biggest scoreboard in all of Minor League Baseball, where Spence and Crawford will battle from Las Vegas. All concessions will be open, making this the biggest and best watch party in town.

International Boxing Hall-of-Famer Lou DiBella is also an important figure in Minor League Baseball as the President and Managing General Partner of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the AA-affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Spence-Crawford is the biggest fight in many years; the two top welterweights in the world, both undefeated and in their prime, will collide to determine who is the best of their era. I am thrilled to bring this tremendous fight to the fans in attendance at Frisco’s Riders Field via the closed-circuit telecast,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “As a special treat, DiBella Entertainment will also deliver a night of live world class boxing, featuring Fort Worth’s Edward Vazquez facing Panamanian KO artist Brayan De Gracia in the main event. Undefeated Armenian welterweight Aram Amirkhanyan and Dallas female boxing star Shurretta Metcalf will highlight the undercard. Boxing at the ballpark, both live and via closed-circuit, was once a longstanding tradition in the sport. On July 29, we will bring that back.”

“It will be peanuts, crackerjacks and fisticuffs on Saturday, July 29 at Riders Field,” said Chuck Greenberg, General Partner and CEO of the Frisco RoughRiders. “Spence vs. Crawford is the biggest boxing event in years and the RoughRiders are thrilled to host a special closed-circuit viewing of the fight for our loyal fans at Riders Field. In addition to the Spence-Crawford fight, DiBella Entertainment will present a live bout card to complement the action-packed evening. This is a truly special and unique event for us and we can’t wait to provide a great night of entertainment.”

Tickets, starting at $35 plus service fees, are on sale NOW and can be purchased through Tickets.com. VIP Ringside seating, including food and drink in the Founders Club presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, are $150. Riders Field is located at 7300 Rough Riders Trl, Frisco, TX 75034. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30pm CT, with the first bout scheduled for 7:30pm CT. The Spence-Crawford main event closed-circuit broadcast will be shown immediately following the conclusion of the live bouts.

Leading into the Vazquez-De Gracia main event, rising female talent Shurretta Metcalf (11-4-1, 2 KOs), from Dallas, TX, will fight in the co-featured attraction. Metcalf, once ranked the #1 USA super bantamweight as an amateur, is trained by Ozell Nelson, who worked with former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor.

Also highlighting the undercard will be undefeated Armenian welterweight prospect Aram Amirkhanyan (14-0-1, 4 KOs). He is a former IBF International, WBO International, and WBA Continental champion. Prior to the pandemic, Amirkhanyan had been world ranked by three of the major sanctioning bodies and the combined record of his last five opponents was 61-3-1. He returned in July 2022 with an eight-round unanimous decision win.

Further details on this event will be announced shortly.

By Norm Frauenheim –

It’s a fight that has already exceeded expectations. Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. got made. There was a deal just a few months after one looked to be impossible.

It’s the beginning of a bout loaded with the potential to deliver a classic and maybe more.  An agreement that emerges from a never-never land littered with all of boxing’s usual complications makes just about anything look possible.

Maybe even some history.

A historical parallel, at least, has been introduced and figures to be at the cutting edge of the promotional pitch throughout the month-long build-up before opening bell on July 29 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

It’s no ordinary parallel. Nothing about Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns in September 1981 on a Vegas summer night up the Strip from T-Mobile at an open-air arena behind Caesars Palace was ordinary. It was extraordinary in almost every way. It was a masterpiece, perhaps the best fight in boxing’s modern – and messy — history.

For more than four decades, it’s a fight that has stood alone, unmatched for its artistry and ferocity. There’s never been an encore, and the guess from this corner is that there never will be.

That corner of history belongs to Leonard-Hearns in a drama that saw the fighters switch styles. Leonard, the boxer, became the puncher, scoring a late TKO of the puncher, Hearns, suddenly the boxer. It was a different time, the end of an era when championship fights were scheduled for 15 rounds instead of 12.

In this era, Hearns would have won a 12-round decision. He was leading on all three cards going into the 13^th. Then, however, he was stopped suddenly and definitively after Leonard heard and heeded a warning from trainer Angelo Dundee.

“You’re blowing it, son, you’re blowing it,’’ Dundee said. 

Leonard flipped a switch — finesse to ferocious – mounting a blitzkrieg burst of violence that left Hearns exhausted and beaten along the ropes at 1:45 of the 14^th.

Can history repeat itself? It hasn’t. Not even Hearns and Leonard could in a 1989 rematch that was about eight years too late. Each beyond their prime, they fought to a draw. It was oh-so forgettable. Often, it’s not remembered at all, mostly because of the powerful memory of their first fight, a boxing monument if there ever was one.

Leonard-Hearns, the golden oldie, is still the model. Maybe, Crawford-Spence is the remake.

“This fight is really as big as it gets,’’ Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions, said on June 14 in New York as he formally announced the bout in the second of coast-to-coast news conferences. “We have the best two fighters in the world, unbeaten and in their prime.

“We haven’t seen fighters with skills like this since Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns.”

There’ll be some debate about that. Leonard was 25, Hearns 22. Crawford is 35, Spence 33. Leonard and Hearns were just entering their prime. Crawford and Spence are leaving theirs.

Over the last four decades, there’s been research, nutrition and technology that allows athletes to extend their careers.  

Maybe, Crawford and Spence still have some prime time that Leonard and Hearns didn’t. But this isn’t Olympic swimming. It’s boxing. A single punch on July 29 or forty-two years ago can still end a career.

Still, some potential elements are in place. Crawford enters the biggest welterweight bout in his generation as the boxer. At opening bell, he’ll play Leonard’s role. Yet, his power also has turned him into one of today’s few real finishers. His 39-0 record includes 30 stoppages.

The bigger Spence has the Hearns role. His feared power is an ever-present threat, yet his boxing skill is evident, especially in three of his last four fights – scorecard victories over Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.

For Crawford and Spence, there’s a chance to do what Leonard and Hearns didn’t. Leonard and Hearns didn’t turn their all-time bout into a rivalry. They were finished by the time they got to the rematch. Leonard was 33, Hearns 30 in their June 1989 sequel, a bout fought at a 164-pound catchweight, also at Caesars Palace.

The Crawford-Spence agreement includes a rematch clause. If their promised classic happens, the prediction is that there’ll be rematch later this year.

But first they’ll have to deliver in a way that Floyd Mayweather’s 2015 decision over Manny Pacquiao didn’t. The Mayweather-Pacquiao dud, also at welterweight, didn’t exceed any of the inflated expectations. The disappointment lingered like a lousy hangover for years.

Mayweather-Pacquiao is also history, a lingering lesson and a more recent reminder about what not to repeat.

Guess here, Crawford-Spence won’t be Mayweather-Pacquiao. It won’t be Leonard-Hearns, either. In a fabled weight class, it’s a fight suddenly intriguing for one reason. During an era when so many big fights don’t get made, this one is about to happen.  

Call it the opening possibility, perhaps the first of many that haven’t been seen for far too long.

Jesus Ramos poised for next lesson

Jesus Ramos, of Casa Grande AZ, is beginning to look like the hottest prospect to emerge from Arizona since super-middleweight contender and two-time former WBC champion David Benavidez.

Ramos (20-0,16 KOs) hopes to embellish his credentials at junior-middleweight against Spanish veteran Sergio Garcia (34-2, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round bout on the pay-per-view portion of the Showtime telecast of Crawford-Spence.

It’s a fight that could put Ramos in position to challenge Tim Tszyu or unified junior-middleweight champion Jermell Charlo.

 “With a victory, I believe I could get into the top five, or at least the top 10,’’ the 22-year-old Ramos said Thursday during a virtual news conference.

Ramos, who is coming off a seventh-round stoppage of Joey Spencer on the undercard of Benavidez’ decision over Caleb Plant on March 25, says each fight is a lesson plan.

“I’m doing things at my own pace,’’ he said. “Each fight is an opportunity for me to learn something. Seeing different styles is the perfect way for me. It’ll help prepare me for whenever my moment comes.’’

LAS VEGAS – June 29, 2023 – Fighters competing on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, July 29 previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference Thursday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos taking on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator and unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan dueling the power-punching Viktor Faust in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m training hard as always and zeroing in on Giovanni Cabrera’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s an honor to be the co-main event of a fight that will be remembered forever in boxing lore.

“My plan is to go out there and put on a show for everyone watching. I’ll be ready. One round or 12 rounds, however long it lasts, it’s gonna be a great fight.

“I’m gonna put on a show against Cabrera. It’s all part of my effort to close every door that Gervonta has available to escape from facing me again. I want to prove that I’m the best at 135 pounds.

“I’m really excited to win this fight so I can get to the next level of what I want to achieve. Giovanni is a quality fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. I’m definitely not overlooking him, because he’s earned this shot.

“The fans are extra motivation for me. I want to keep giving them spectacular fights. It fills me with joy and pride to see their support. I promise every single fan that this fight is gonna be worth the price of admission.

“He may think he’s faced fighters like me in the gym, but he better be ready, because facing the real thing is a lot different.

“I’m here to show everyone that I’m no social media fighter like some others are. I’m a dog, I’m a warrior and my ceiling is not even close to being hit yet.”

GIOVANNI CABRERA

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve finally arrived at the stage I’ve wanted to be at my entire career. Isaac Cruz is a great Mexican fighter and I’m a first-generation Mexican here in the U.S., so it’s gonna be fireworks. I think this might steal the show. I’m ready for my best performance yet.

“I believe he’s the best opponent I’ve faced. He has a strong will and a lot of fire. My plan is to meet that fire with my own.

“Cruz got his position from having a close fight with Gervonta Davis, so if he gets that merit, then if I defeat him convincingly, I’ll be right at the top too. I’ve shared the ring with his promoter Manny Pacquiao, so if I can dance with ‘Pac-Man’, I can dance with a ‘Pitbull’.

“My activity is definitely an advantage. I’ve been sparring great fighters at Wild Card Boxing Gym and I’m keeping sharp. This gym has the best fighters from all around the world.

“I’ve seen many examples of fighters with Isaac’s style. I’ve been able to out-class them. That’s the goal on July 29.

“I promise that we’re gonna leave Mexican boxing and American boxing on a high pedestal. You’re gonna see two warriors go at it and it’s gonna be fitting of the stage that we’re on.

“This is my time. Isaac Cruz is in trouble. I will be ready on July 29.”

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m very blessed. I’m working extremely hard. I’m facing a tough opponent who always comes to fight. I know he’s gonna be there and ready to fight for the whole 12 rounds.

“I think with a win over Sergio Garcia I’m top five, or at least top 10 in the division. I’ve been beating top guys and looking impressive against them. I want to earn my shot and these are the fights I have to take.

“The goal is a knockout, but I’m a more mature fighter now. I don’t put that pressure on myself. I just go out there and perform and do what I do best. I work hard every day and I have to demonstrate that. If the opportunity comes, I know how to finish.

“This is gonna be an exciting fight. He’s a fighter who comes forward and he’s gonna be there all night. That’s the kind of fight I like. I can brawl if I have to.

“As fighters we grow with each fight and mature. I’ve matured with every fight and I’ve acknowledged my mistakes. I go back into the gym and work on getting better and that’s what I’m gonna show on July 29.

“I’m motivated by any doubt that I receive. If they don’t consider me the top of the division yet, then it’s because I haven’t earned it. I’m going to keep working hard. A lot of people thought my last fight was a 50/50 matchup, and I went out there and showed that it wasn’t the case.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“I’m training in the U.K. with a new trainer in Angel Fernandez and we’ve been working really hard. I’m facing a young opponent who’s gonna give it his all, but I have the edge in experience and I’m gonna take advantage on July 29.

“I’ve been feeling great with my new trainer and the chemistry is outstanding. But this is really about me having a third chance in the U.S. I know that if this passes by me, I might not get another opportunity.

“I know that Ramos wants to show out and make it to the top of the division. I just have to focus on executing what I do in the ring. I’ve shown that I have courage, but now I have to show my skills as well.  

“I can’t give away my secrets, but I have Jesus well scouted. I’ve been following him and I respect him. I know he’s been watching me too and that’s gonna make this a great fight.

“I may possess some tools that Jose doesn’t have. My fight against Tony Harrison was not my best night. I thought my fight with Sebastian Fundora could have gone either way. I’m going to take that experience and use it to come out on top.”

GURGEN HOVHANNISYAN

“My training is going really well. I’m very happy to be the opening fight on SHOWTIME PPV. I’m training really hard for July 29.

“I’ve known Viktor Faust since the amateurs and I looked up to him then. I’m very familiar with what he can do in the ring and I’m preparing to put on a great show. I’m very confident that I’m going to open this pay-per-view with an excellent performance.

“Spence vs. Crawford is gonna be the fight of the decade and that makes this a big step for me. A lot of people will be watching my performance and it’s very important for me to be on this card and perform well.

Boxing is more of a mental sport. I’ve learned a lot in that regard from being in the gym and sparring top fighters. With it being my fifth fight, that’s only a number to me. I’m prepared for this. It doesn’t matter to me how experienced my opponent is. I’m going to take on the fights with the best opponents.

“We do a lot more than 10 rounds of sparring when I’m training with Joe Goossen in the gym, so I’m not worried about going the distance if I have to. I’m more than ready.

“I’m not going to force the knockout, but if it comes, it comes. I’m just going to deliver beautiful boxing for everyone watching.”

#         #         #

ABOUT SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Spence vs. Crawford will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

LAS VEGAS – June 23, 2023 – Three all-action showdowns featuring prodigious rising stars, ascending Mexican fan-favorites, unbeaten contenders and more will highlight the stacked Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, July 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos takes on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title eliminator. Kicking off the pay-per-view, unbeaten rising heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will duel the power-punching Viktor Faust in a 10-round matchup.

These intriguing showdowns serve as the prelude to the highly anticipated main event between unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Spence Jr. and WBO 147-pound world champion Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship. The winner of this battle of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

“This pay-per-view lineup on July 29 is worthy of the mega-fight main event and will give fans high-stakes action leading up to the seismic showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz and Jesus Ramos Jr. are two rising stars who deliver fireworks every time they get in the ring, and they’ll be pushed to be at their best in tough matchups on SHOWTIME PPV. Adding in an explosive heavyweight opener, and fans will want to make sure they get into their seats early at T-Mobile Arena.”

The 25-year-old Cruz (24-2-1, 17 KOs) has delivered back-to-back electrifying knockouts since dropping a competitive and entertaining decision against undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Matias Romero. Cruz’s last two fights have seen him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in April 2022 and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez in September 2022.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring on July 29 in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas,” said Cruz. “It’s even more exciting that I’ll be back on the biggest show of the year. It has always been a dream of mine to fight in Las Vegas, where so many Mexican legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Erik Morales have fought before. Now it’s my opportunity and I will not disappoint the fans. As always, I’m coming for the knockout!”

Originally from Seattle and now residing in Chicago, Cabrera (21-0, 7 KOs) enters the ring off an impressive shutout victory over Gabriel Flores Jr. last July, capping a dominant three-win 2022 campaign. The 28-year-old has defeated seven undefeated fighters throughout a pro career that dates back to 2016. Cabrera kicked off his strong 2022 with a unanimous decision triumph over highly regarded Mexican contender Rene Tellez Giron in January and can establish himself as a member of the 135-pound elite if he can get past Cruz on July 29.

“It hasn’t been an easy road to this point, and I know that I have to beat ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to continue my path to the world title,” said Cabrera. “This is a hard fight, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to earn my status as world champion. Spence vs. Crawford is reminiscent of the glory days of boxing when the best fought the best, and I want to continue that legacy. I respect Cruz and I expect a war. May the best fighter win on July 29.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early. 

“I’m coming to give the crowd a great show on the biggest card of the year,” said Ramos. “I’m very happy and excited to be back on another huge card. Sergio Garcia is a tough opponent and I know he’s going to bring the best out in me. That’s just gonna make for even more entertainment for the fans. I’m training hard and I promise I’m gonna be ready for whatever Garcia brings on July 29.”

The 30-year-old Garcia (34-2, 14 KOs) returned to the ring April to defeat Ricardo Sebastian Cabana before he steps into the ring for his third stateside bout on July 29. Garcia’s only career defeats have come via decision as he dropped a December 2021 bout against top contender Sebastian Fundora and an April 2022 clash against former world champion Tony Harrison. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed that up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko.

“I’m very motivated by this new opportunity to fight in the U.S. and I want to thank my team for trusting to put me back in this position,” said Garcia. “I’m hoping to give the fans a great fight. Jesus has a great future ahead of him, but I also have a lot of experience in important fights and I think that will lead me to the victory. It will be a hard fight but I’m ready to be at my very best and use everything I have to get my hand raised.”

The 25-year-old Hovhannisyan (4-0, 4 KOs) has delivered four consecutive knockouts since turning pro in September 2021, showing the promise he originally displayed in his extensive amateur career. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he now fights out of Los Angeles as he looks to bolster his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Hovhannisyan earned a career-best victory, stopping previous top prospect Michael Coffie in six rounds last October.

“July 29 is a great opportunity for me to showcase myself in front of the world,” said Hovhannisyan. “Boxing is a serious sport, but if you train hard and understand it, you can understand exactly what you have to do in the ring. I’m going to prove what I can do in this fight and make a statement.”

Faust (11-1, 7 KOs) will look to get back in the win column after dropping a battle of unbeatens against Lenier Pero in February. His previous stateside outing saw him engage in one of 2022’s most unpredictable and fast-paced slugfests. The 31-year-old squared off with Iago Kiladze in January 2022 with both men hitting the canvas an astonishing five times combined in less than five minutes of action before the Ukrainian closed out the bout in round two to earn a TKO. Faust followed that up with decision wins over veteran title challenger Kevin Johnson in August 2022 and Franklin Lawrence in December 2022.

“I’m working very hard to come to Las Vegas and put on a great fight,” said Faust. “I’m excited to be back fighting in the U.S. and ready to show the fans what I can do. I had a rib injury in my last fight and couldn’t continue, but it has only made me more motivated to win on July 29. It’s an honor to be fighting on such a big card, and I know this is a big step that I can make toward becoming world champion. I’m sure Gurgen is going to come prepared just like me and that the fans are going to be the real winners.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

NEW YORK – June 14, 2023 – Undefeated boxing superstars and pound-for-pound greats Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Terence “Bud” Crawford verbally sparred and provoked the other with sharp and sometimes comical one-liners during a lively press conference Wednesday in New York to preview their clash for the undisputed welterweight championship on Saturday, July 29 in a SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“I’m the biggest (fish). He’s not catching me with no damn fishing pole,” Spence said, continuing the war of metaphors with Crawford, who promised to “gut” Spence in the ring. “He better come with a submarine. I’m the biggest shark. You ain’t catching Moby Dick with a fishing pole.”

“Fish fillet,” Crawford responded. “I like to go fishing,” he said at another point. “Everyone knows that’s my hobby.”

The unified WBC, WBA and IBF Champion Spence and WBO champion Crawford completed back-to-back, coast-to-coast press conferences in Times Square as they near their long anticipated clash to crown the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era.

The press conferences in Beverly Hills and New York City can be watched HERE and HERE. The press conference on Wednesday streamed live on two giant outdoor LED video displays on billboards overlooking Times Square, the first time that SHOWTIME^® has ever live-streamed a boxing press event atop a billboard in Midtown Manhattan.

Spence vs. Crawford will be highlighted by three episodes of the Emmy^® Award-winning series ALLACCESS from SHOWTIME Sports with ALLACCESS: SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD Episode One premiering on Saturday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and Episode Two debuting on Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with an Epilogue days after the fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Palladium Times Square:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing. When you look at your styles, and know our mentalities, you know neither of us are gonna want to break. I feel like someone is gonna break on fight night.

“I’m ready to show people that I’m one of the best welterweights of all time. Don’t miss this fight. Because I’m gonna show everyone why I’m breaking people.

“I’ve done everything that I said I was gonna do. The last thing left to do is beat Terence Crawford. He’s a great fighter, but I’m gonna break him and show everyone why I’m the best fighter in boxing, period.

“All the titles I took, I took them from the champions. You line ‘em up, I’m gonna knock ‘em down. It doesn’t matter what happens, I get the job done.

“He can show what he wants to show. He might go on and do his thing after I beat him and prove he’s an all-time great. But he can stop that nonsense because I’m winning on July 29.

“We have to show these other fighters that there are rewards in taking risks. The best have to fight the best.”

TERENCE CRAWFORD

“This is a fight that’s been marinating. This is greatness that you’re going to see on July 29. I’ve been preparing my whole life for this moment. Moments like these don’t come often, and this is my time.

“July 29 I can assure you, you’re gonna walk away and say, ‘Terence Crawford is special.’ You’re gonna mark me down as one of the greatest of all time.

“I rise to the occasion when I have the odds stacked against me. I’m a fan of Errol, but this is business. I see myself beating him. I’ve visualized it numerous times before.

“I like to go fishing. Everyone knows that’s my hobby. They’ve all been caught before. Every last one of them. I got a big enough hook for Errol. We actually already caught him, and we’re reeling him in right now.

“Being undisputed is gonna mean everything to me. July 29 you’re gonna see a Terence Crawford that you’ve never seen before. Errol may bring the best out of me.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I can’t wait. Everyone has been hoping to see this. I know that Crawford is coming with his ‘A game’ and Errol will be on his ‘A game.’ You’re gonna see a phenomenal competition. Now, it’s work time. We’re gonna be who we are. Put the pressure on, break him down and win the fight.”

BRIAN “BO MAC” MCINTYRE, Crawford’s Trainer

“This is how the fight is gonna go. It’s gonna be tough. Real tough. I tip my hat to what Errol has accomplished. The first couple of rounds will be tough, but then we’re gonna start walking away with the fight, like we always do. We’ve stopped the last 10 opponents, and Errol might be number 11.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This fight is really as big as it gets. We have the best two fighters in the world, unbeaten and in their prime. We haven’t seen fighters with skills like this since Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“I’ve described this as the perfect fight, and that’s no exaggeration. It has every element that boxing fans would want. Everything is at stake on July 29.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

LOS ANGELES – June 13, 2023 – Undefeated boxing superstars and pound-for-pound greats Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Terence “Bud” Crawford went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday before they  meet for the undisputed welterweight championship on Saturday, July 29 in a  SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Spence is the unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion, while Crawford holds the WBO 147-pound world championship.

The winner of this matchup of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Spence vs. Crawford joins Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio César Chávez and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, as a generational matchup of two popular stars whose dynamic and aggressive styles should produce an instant classic.

At their first in-person meeting since the fight was announced, Spence and Crawford both promised to deliver performances commensurate with  the anticipation of this historic matchup at the kickoff press conference.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing right now,” said Spence. “This is a legendary fight. It’s an old-school fight. This is like the fights my dad used to tell me about. It’s the best fighting the best.”

“This is definitely a legacy fight and a fight that should be talked about everywhere,” said Crawford. “This is an old school type of fight. All the greats have fought each other and that’s what we’re doing for this era.”

Spence vs. Crawford will be highlighted by three episodes of the Emmy^® Award-winning series ALL-ACCESS from SHOWTIME Sports with ALL-ACCESS: SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD Episode One premiering on Saturday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and Episode Two debuting on Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with an Epilogue days after the fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from The Beverly Hills Hotel:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“Everybody tune in and come out to the fight, because we’re gonna have a Craw-fish boil. And there’s gonna be enough for everybody. I promise you that.

“We had to get on the phone and talk about it, and now it’s finally happening. This is gonna prove not only who the best welterweight is, but who the best fighter in the world is. My mentality is to go all out and give everything. His mentality is the same.

“Terence hasn’t fought anybody. Even Shawn Porter said he didn’t train like he should against you. Kell Brook was already broken. I broke Kell Brook’s other eye, that’s how he got broke.

“Terence is a great fighter and I’m gonna break another great fighter’s will. Mentally and physically, I’m gonna dominate and come out on top.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. Everything I’ve been through the last few years, I understand being the underdog. A lot of underdogs end up winning, that’s why it’s a bet.

“This is gonna be a one-sided ass whooping. It’s gonna take a few rounds, because he’s a tough dude. But everyone gets broke and we’re gonna break him down.

“I can guarantee you this is gonna be an action-packed, old school type of fight. If you’ve been craving those old fights, you have to tune into this one. This is a legendary fight. Belts aside, you talk about just these two fighters, this is the biggest fight in boxing. Especially because of the action we bring. We’re both going for the victory.”

TERENCE CRAWFORD

“Y’all are going to witness greatness. We measure greatness by eras. July 29, I’m going to show everyone why this era is the Terence Crawford era.

“I’m so excited that we’re here today and that we got this fight done. I’m excited for the fans. I have a gift for each and every one of y’all, because I love the fans. Without the fans, there’s no us. I’m going to give you all a gift with the presence of the two of us on July 29.

“He calls himself the big fish. What happens when you take the fish out the water? You suffocate him.

“A win shows that I’m the greatest fighter of the era. No man has captured undisputed in two weight classes. That solidifies me as the greatest fighter of this era.

“I’m gonna gut him and feed him to everyone that eats fish in here. If he’s a big fish, we’re gonna have enough for everyone, with potatoes on the side. We don’t smoke over here, we go hunting for fish fillet.

“People after this fight are gonna say that Bud Crawford is special. I can assure you that. He’ll give me my respect after the fight after I whoop that ass.

“I can guarantee that everyone is gonna witness something special. Errol doesn’t like to back up. I’m the type of fighter where you push me and I push even harder. We both have big hearts and like to fight. It makes for a great action-packed fight. July 29 is gonna be a great night for boxing.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“This is something that’s been coming for a long time. There’s been a lot of talk and speculation. What it’s all about right now is July 29.

“It’s time to get busy. That’s all we care about. I’m ready to see Errol go out there and do what he needs to do. He did what he said he’d do and got those three belts, now it’s time to get one more.

“I believe that Errol will win the fight because of his technique and skill set. It’s not so much about gamesmanship. He doesn’t talk, he goes in there and gets busy. What you’ll see once again is Errol prove his dominance over another fighter.

“It’s not about knocking a guy out, it’s about breaking a fighter. It’s about taking away their desire to fight. That’s what you’ll see July 29.

“It’s all about the big fish right now. I like the Crawford team, we’re really co-workers because that’s the only way to make this happen. But on the night of the fight, it’s gonna be showtime for real.”

BRIAN “BO MAC” MCINTYRE, Crawford’s Trainer

“I’m so glad these fighters stayed the course and got this fight made. They’re going to show the world who the best fighter is. That really tells you about each fighter’s character.

“We’re gonna show you the best fighter in the world on July 29. It will be us. Don’t miss it. I promise you. I know Spence is coming and Derrick is gonna do a damn good job training him, but it doesn’t matter.

“Terence is the better fighter and the world knows that. If you just look how he goes about his business, there’s no playing around with him. He comes to get you out of there. Once he hurts you, that’s a wrap.

“Errol is a damn good fighter. He accomplished a lot in the game and I tip my hat to him and to Derrick. But the real fighters know who’s gonna win this fight.

“I promise you from the bottom of my heart, that we’re going to walk away victorious.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is as big as it gets. The best two fighters in the world, both in their prime and both undefeated world champions. This is not just a mega fight, it’s bigger than that. It’s a generational fight. It’s an instant classic that you’ll remember for years to come. Legacies will be determined on July 29.

“Not only is Errol one of the best fighters in the world, but he’s a boxing miracle for what he’s gone through. He’s also box office gold. His last fight generated a massive live gate at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and he’s proven he sells outside Texas. Now he’s coming to do the same in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas.

“There’s no more talk about who’s on what side of the street; on Saturday July 29, ‘Bud’ Crawford will be in one corner and Errol Spence Jr. will be in the other corner. When the fight is over, there will be one man standing in the center of the ring with his hand raised and all four belts. He will be the new undisputed pound-for-pound king of boxing.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“This is a fantastic time to be a boxing fan, with big fights and top fighters against top fighters. These fights are happening more regularly and there’s one place where they’re happening more often than anywhere else, and that’s SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME PPV.

“Together with PBC, we’ve delivered the strongest schedule in the sport. This year through July we’ve scheduled 17 big-time boxing events. It’s probably the strongest run of fights we’ve had in the 37 year history of SHOWTIME BOXING.

“We’re thrilled to be delivering this once in a generation fight. This fight speaks for itself. Two of the best fighters in the sport fighting to make history. If you were going to create the perfect fight, it would look a lot like this. Two of the best and most skilled fighters in the sport, two fighters with knockout power, and all-action fan friendly styles. This fight is so evenly matched that the betting odds are almost dead even. We’ve got history on the line, and fighters who’ve overcome adversity and with big and enthusiastic fan bases.

“This fight has all the elements boxing fans could wish for. And it’s all in one fight. We’ll see you on July 29.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

LAS VEGAS – May 31, 2023 – In a matchup that will go down in boxing history as one of the most significant title fights of all time, unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. will take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The winner of this battle of undefeated superstars will become the first undisputed welterweight world champion in the four-belt era and likely emerge as the sport’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Spence vs. Crawford joins Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Pernell Whitaker vs. Julio César Chávez and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, as a generational matchup of two popular stars whose dynamic and aggressive styles should produce an instant classic. Both Spence and Crawford have reached the pinnacle of boxing’s glamour division with their sublime skills and can stamp themselves alongside 147-pound legends like Leonard, Mayweather, Sugar Ray Robinson and Pacquiao, with a win on July 29.

Spence and Crawford have been circling each other since Crawford became a welterweight champion in 2018, and now, IT’S ON!

Pre-sale tickets are available tomorrow, Thursday, June 1 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: BOXING

Public on-sale begins Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TBC Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“I’m truly excited to be a part of the biggest fight in boxing and the best welterweight matchup of the century,” said Spence. “Terence Crawford is a great fighter and our styles are going to make for a great fight. I told him and the world what I was going to do after I captured my first welterweight title and it’s been strap season ever since. On July 29, I’m going to put on a tremendous performance and become the undisputed king of the welterweight division. This is truly going to be a night to remember, one where history is made, and I want everyone to be a part of it.”

“The fans and I have both wanted this fight for years and now it is finally happening,” said Crawford. “This truly is a once in a generation fight, so come out to T-Mobile Arena or tune in to SHOWTIME PPV for the biggest fight in boxing. On July 29, I look forward to making history and becoming two-time undisputed champion of the world.”

“This is an undeniably historic matchup taking place on July 29, because the winner of this fight will go down as the greatest welterweight of this era,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “On top of being for undisputed status, and in addition to pitting two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other, Spence vs. Crawford is an electric style matchup that has captured the imagination of fans everywhere. Boxing’s premier division will have a definitive number one when the dust settles this July at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

 “With the addition of this blockbuster event, SHOWTIME SPORTS’ industry-leading schedule becomes even stronger,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc. “Spence vs. Crawford is the type of matchup that will demonstrate boxing’s enduring popularity — a marquee event to bring the sports world to a halt with all eyes on the center of the ring in Las Vegas. This fight will be talked about alongside all of the legendary welterweight and undisputed world title bouts throughout history. Together with our partners, we are proud to once again deliver the biggest and best fights that the sport can offer.”

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) has displayed mental toughness inside and outside of the ring throughout an already storied career. He survived a horrific car crash in 2019 and had surgery to repair a detached retina in 2021. Defying both the odds and other’s expectations, Spence came back to not only defend his title but added even more titles to his trophy case.

Born in Long Island, N.Y., the 33-year-old was and raised in Desoto, Texas where he embarked on an accolade-laden amateur career that culminated with him as a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team that competed in London, England. He went back to England and won his first welterweight championship when he traveled to Sheffield to meet local favorite and IBF Champion Kell Brook in 2017, stopping Brook in round 11 for the IBF title.

Spence successfully defended the title three times before adding another welterweight title by defeating Shawn Porter in one of 2019’s best fights. After taking time off to recover from injuries from the car crash, Spence defended the unified title with a unanimous decision victory over two-division champion Danny Garcia in 2020. A detached retina scuttled plans to meet Pacquiao in a 2021 showdown, but Spence wasn’t going to be denied as he defeated Yordenis Ugas, who bested Pacquiao as a replacement for Spence, to win the WBA title with a resounding TKO on April 16, 2022.

Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs) is an accomplished ring tactician who has held world titles at lightweight, super lightweight and welterweight. His special blend of blazing fast hands, high ring IQ, superb counter punching ability and defensive prowess has put him in position to become boxing’s first male undisputed champion in two weight classes if he can get past Spence.

The 35-year-old from Omaha, Neb., kicked off his championship run by winning the WBO Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision victory over Ricky Burns in 2014 and began his 140-pound reign by stopping Thomas Dulorme for the WBO Title in 2015. He added the WBC belt in 2016 with a unanimous decision victory over Viktor Postol and became the undisputed champion at 140 pounds with a KO of Julius Indongo in 2017.

Crawford didn’t stick around to defend his undisputed crown at super lightweight, opting to move up to welterweight in 2018 instead. He announced his presence with a TKO victory over Jeff Horn to claim the WBO Championship. He has successfully defended the title six times, including stoppage victories over former 147-pound champions Porter and Brook. In his most recent fight, Crawford scored a highlight-reel KO of David Avanesyan last December.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceCrawford, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

By Norm Frauenheim –

Chaos is boxing’s oxygen. If the last few months are a sign, the patient is breathing. Maybe even thriving.

The latest indication is news Thursday from Terence Crawford and Errol Spence that they’ll be fighting July 29.

Just a week after the controversy surrounding Devin Haney’s unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko erupted, Crawford and Spence took to Instagram to say they have a deal.

The announcement included a PBC poster, betting odds and just about everything else that would represent some sort of confirmation in any other world.

But this is boxing, so caveat emptor. Given the abortive Crawford-Spence negotiations last fall and the subsequent mess of premature reports and denials, skepticism is healthy. Make that necessary.

Every expectation should come with the warning that no fight is real until you hear an opening bell. For fans, that one is a little bit like a referee’s directive: Defend yourself at all times. Not everyone does, of course.

Opening bell was still 66 days away from the moment when Crawford and Spence made their announcement. In a business ruled by chaos, that’s a lot of time, meaning a whole lot can still go wrong.

That said, this round of Crawford-Spence news seems to indicate that the long-awaited welterweight fight on Showtime pay-per-view at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena is as close as it’s ever been.

“Time to reel in the big fish,’’ Crawford said in his post. “No more talking. Let’s get it.

“Everybody come out, show support, and watch me fry this fish.’’

Hopefully, this is not another fish story, as in another big one got away. Guess here: It’s not. At best, both Crawford and Spence are near the end of their respective primes. Crawford, 35, will be 36 in September. Spence, 33, will be 34 in March.

To extend Crawford’s analogy, it’s time to fish or cut bait. It’s their last chance to secure a true legacy.

It’s fair to wonder how they reached their agreement. Last fall, it looked as if Crawford-Spence would be just another big fight that never got made. The career clock exerts its own urgency, of course.

But there’s more to it than that. At the time the deal fell through about seven months ago, it looked as is if the possibility was dead.

Still, Crawford vowed he would continue to pursue the date. But the numbers just weren’t promising. Neither Crawford nor Spence has ever done well enough on pay-per-view to support an agreement that reportedly includes eight-figure purses for each.

Crawford’s best PPV is a reported 135,000 for a 10^th-round stoppage of Shawn Porter in November 2021. That fell 15,000 short of the 150,000 break-even mark.

Spence’s PPV high is reported to be between 300,000 and 350,000 for a split-decision over Porter in September 2019.

Those numbers just said the market wasn’t there.

Then, Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia happened on April 22. The fight itself disappointed. Davis forced Garcia into a seventh-round surrender. But the PPV number exceeded every expectation. Tank-Garcia did a reported 1.2 million.

It was a number that said a viable market is still there, hungry and willing to pay for the right fight.

Is Crawford-Spence that fight?

About that, there are questions.

But the marketing has been there, front and center, even before negotiations failed last fall.

Like it or not, there’s no market for a fight without outrage from fans and media these days. That might lead to a Lomachenko-Haney rematch. Maybe, the scoring wasn’t a robbery. But no rematch would rob the game and its fans.

All the while, social-media anger at Crawford and Spence never really vanished. The echoes are still there. They’ll be easy enough to stir up all over again.

The chaos is still there, a sure sign that the market is too. Enter at your own risk.