IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr has insisted he is not looking past his next challenge in Carlos Ocampo ahead of his second defence.
‘The Truth’ meets unbeaten Ocampo, on June 16 at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, which is Spence’s home state.
Although a relatively unknown figure, Mexico’s Ocampo brings a record of 22 straight wins leaving Spence to respect his next challenger, while still stating he believes he is the best welterweight around.
“I do believe I’m the best welterweight in boxing right now” Spence said.
“I’ve been trying to prove it for a long time. I’m never looking past anyone, but I’d love to fight Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter and, when he’s back, Keith Thurman. I’m ready to fight the best in the division and prove I reign supreme over all of them.
“Everybody poses a challenge in the ring. Ocampo is tough. He’s young and this is something he’s been fighting for his whole life.
“I know he’s coming to fight. Mexican fighters have a great tradition. They come to fight and they don’t back down. I know he’s going to give it his all and that gets me motivated.”
Spence is competing in Texas for the first time since 2015 when he beat Mexican Alejandro Barrera.
Despite fighting in front of a home crowd, Spence believes the challenge of dethroning Kell Brook in England when he won the IBF title is much greater than fighting at home.
“I don’t think there’s any extra pressure fighting in my hometown” Spence said.
“It’s just added motivation. Real pressure was fighting against 30,000 fans in the champion’s hometown for my first title against Kell Brook. This is me fighting in front of people who love me and who have seen me grow up as a boxer. I can’t wait to put on a show for them.
“I feel like I’ve definitely earned this hometown fight. To go to another country and fight a champion in his hometown, and to win the belt, I think I deserve to defend my belt in front of my fans.”
Spence, who is unblemished in his 23-0 record has vowed to live up to his ‘Man Down’ tag which has seen him knock out all but three opponents.
“My motto is ‘Man Down’ and I have to live up to it” he said.
“I don’t go in looking for the knockout, but I let it happen naturally. I let it come to me and we’re definitely going to let it happen on fight night.”
