When unbeaten IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KOs) stopped Lamont Peterson in January, he established a new precedent for the welterweight division. Since 2014 he has finished every competitor and puffed out his chest in tandem with his teammates the Charlo brothers.
Now he is in a pool where two other undefeated champions, Terence “Bud” Crawford and Keith “One Time” Thurman, live and hold belts that would complete his jewelry collection nicely, jewelry that continues to fuel his hunger to be the unified champ and boxing legend.
Errol Spence Jr. offers his analysis of Carlos Ocampo
Visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for info. Errol Spence Jr. will defend his IBF 147-pound world title for the second time against mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo on June 16, 2018, live on Showtime from the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. In this video, Spence gives offers his analysis of his future opponent.
Im ready to line up those other champions. Ive said that since I was 15-0,” said Spence. “I want to fight every opponent and take them out no matter who it is. Im here to prove that Im the best in the division.
We work hard every camp and were 100 percent dedicated. There hasnt been much difference in this camp than normal. The sparring with Jermell Charlo was top quality and has me prepared for Saturday night.”
On Saturday Spence defends his IBF welterweight crown against top-rated contender Carlos Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) live on Showtime from Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, which is a homecoming event for the young champion and rising star.
To that end, fans are hoping that he makes Ocampo his 21st KO victim and then will face Keith Thurman once the latter returns to health and goes through the obligatory “tune up” fight. The ultimate dream would be for ESPN/Top Rank to work out a deal with Showtime/PBC to have the undefeated champions face off. While money and egos often prevent the real fight from happening, and happening when it should, if Mayweather vs. McGregor could come to fruition, anything is possible, especially when PPV and big money is in the mix.
And that leads to the following questions- is Spence a large enough draw to carry a PPV and does he really need to fight on PPV to cement his legacy? That strategy hasn’t really worked for Gennady Golovkin who, after paltry numbers from his one and only PPV bout against David Lemieux, hadn’t made a return appearance until Canelo Alvarez raised his stature.
Spence vs. Ocampo: Preview | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. shared his thoughts on training camp and fighting in front of his hometown fans as he prepares to fight unbeaten challenger Carlos Ocampo. Live Saturday, June 16 at 9PM ET/6PM PT on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
With Terence Crawford solidified as probably the best boxer on the planet right now, Spence’s best course of action would be to try to derail the Crawford train. Yet, as mentioned before, politics always seems to cloud the situation, but hopefully common sense will prevail and give fans want they want, and that is another incredible match in what is the most competitive division in the sport.
But before any thoughts of Spence, Thurman and Crawford can be considered, Spence has to take on Ocampo Saturday night.
“I consider him a great fighter,” said Ocampo via international conference call. “He has been destroying all his opponents. He’s a well-respected fighter and a fast fighter with power. As I said before, I’m ready for it. I’m mentally ready to overcome everything Spence brings and make my name.”
The 22-year-old Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career with this mandatory title challenge against Spence. The Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico native will be making his U.S. debut and fighting professionally outside of Mexico for the first time.
Ocampo is a two-time silver medalist at the Mexican Olympiad, an amateur national championship tournament. His holds significant professional victories over former world title challengers Jorge Paez, Jr. and Charlie Navarro while he most recently scored a seventh-round stoppage of Dario Ferman in November.
I believe that Im the number one fighter in the welterweight division and Ill step into the ring on June 16 with that feeling,” said Spence at the press conference.
“Im going to draw from the energy of my fans. Ive studied some of Ocampo and I can tell he likes to box but hes willing to get into a fight. I know how he feels going into someone elses hometown for his first shot at the title. This is his big opportunity and its going to make this a great event.
