Errol Spence Jr attended yesterday’s press conference of the July 15th Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) show―that is set to be headlined by Gervonta Davis and Frank Martin―in support of Martin and gave an update on his search for a new trainer after recently splitting with Derrick James; revealing that he had yet to find a new trainer. Despite rumors indicating Spence would face WBC & WBO 154 lbs champion Sebastian Fundora this year, the Spence’s revelation now suggests a fight between two will not occur after all.
ESPN first broke the news of a potential Errol Spence Jr (28-1, 22 KO’s) vs Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KO’s) in October, but an official announcement has yet to ensue. While there was nothing to suggest that a fight between the two couldn’t happen as Fundora’s manager had been eager to see his fighter get in the ring with Spence, citing the huge profitability of such a fight if it would take place in Spence’s hometown of Dallas, Texas, at NFL team Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium [AT&T Stadium], Spence’s latest admission of not having found a trainer makes the fight less feasible.
Spence was first confronted with a question surrounding rumors of him training with decorated trainer Ronnie Shields due to his presence in Houston―located in the same state of Texas where Spence resides, but the former unified welterweight champion denied that to be the case.
“Nah, I mean he [Ronnie Shields] is in Houston, but nah, not right now. I ain’t got nobody right now.” Spence stated to reporters yesterday.
Spence’s statements virtually confirm he has yet to even find a new trainer, which now puts his speculated future bout with Fundora in jeopardy due to multiple factors. Not only would it be pertinent for Errol Spence to find a trainer if an October fight with Fundora is being planned, as fighters need time to gel and become adjust to the teachings of a new trainer, but Spence will additionally not have the benefit of a tune-up fight; one that is sorely needed after he lost to Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KO’s) last year in a notable and arguably historic beatdown.
With the added factor of Errol Spence also needing to adapt to the new weight of 154 lbs if he were to fight Fundora, both Spence’s health and career are at risk as he potentially heads towards another loss; one made more likely by the fact that Fundora is difficult to prepare for due to his height of 6’6 ft―making it a chore for Spence to find the right sparring partners to practice with.
However, with an official fight announcement still to emerge, Sebastian Fundora may not become Errol Spence’s next opponent. More certain is that Spence will likely resume his boxing career this year, with a possible return date slated for either October or November. Whether this means he will fight Fundora, however, remains to be seen.
