This week, a clip of Errol Spence Jr discussing preparations for his 2023 undisputed welterweight clash with Terence Crawford was widely shared on social media.
Crawford dropped and stopped Spence in July 2023, adding the WBA, WBC and IBF belts to his long-held WBO at 147 lbs. It was a dominant win following a build-up in which many had predicted the fight would be a 50/50 affair.
In the time since, when Crawford has won another belt at super-welterweight and beaten Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to become undisputed at super-middleweight, Spence has been taking a break from the sport.
Ahead of his ring return next month, Spence gave an in-depth interview with Andre Ward recently, and addressed his camp for the Crawford fight, blaming former trainer Derrick James for poor preparation and highlighting that he wasn’t living right.
“Nope [no conversations with Derrick James about how to go about the fight]. That camp was bulls**t. I did no sparring. The guys didn’t fit – I had no southpaws in there to spar. It was all out of whack.
“I was basically living wrong. Even out of camp, you’ve got to live right so, once you get in camp, everything [is] cool.
“Derrick’s [job to pick the sparring partners], he’s the teacher right? We were just working the mitts. You would think he would put on some gloves and have me blocking shots, but it was none of that.
“I was just feeling weak, depleted. Even if I worked out, I feel like I wasn’t getting stronger. The whole camp – it was just a whole messed up situation.”
This particular clip did the rounds on social media, with Spence – despite him consistently giving Crawford credit for the win when asked – accused of making excuses. The former unified champion has urged people to watch the entire discussion.
Crawford has seemingly caught wind of the debate and targeted his response more at those discussing the interview rather than Spence, who he wished the best for his comeback.
Still wishing @ErrolSpenceJr the best in his upcoming fight. I see what yall trying to do, but it’s not going to work, not this time.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) June 19, 2026
Spence faces Tim Tszyu in Australia on July 25 at a catchweight of 158lbs – it is a fight Crawford has publicly backed him to win.
