Did you hear the Eric Braeden breaking news, it will shock you! And Flagstar Bank in the news is not something you want to miss. But in the world of boxing, Errol Spence Jr. is making headlines of his own. Following a devastating loss to Terence Crawford and a revelation about cataract surgery, Spence Jr. is charting a new course, moving up to the super welterweight division for a fresh start.
Spence Jr. Sets Sights on Super Welterweight Gold
After his July 29, 2023, TKO loss to Terence Crawford, where he relinquished his unified welterweight titles, Errol Spence Jr. is shifting gears. He’s moving up to the super welterweight division and is already eyeing a title shot against unified WBC and WBO champion, Sebastian Fundora. This bold move presents both opportunities and challenges for Spence Jr. as he seeks to reclaim championship glory.
A New Challenge: Spence Jr. vs. Fundora
While a rematch with Crawford remains a possibility, Spence Jr.’s immediate focus is Fundora. This matchup promises fireworks, pitting Spence Jr.’s power and refined technique against Fundora’s imposing size and unorthodox style. Some experts believe that Spence Jr.’s power might translate even more effectively at the higher weight, potentially giving him a knockout advantage. However, he’ll need to adapt to facing naturally larger opponents and navigate the unique challenges of the super welterweight division. Potential future opponents at super welterweight include Erickson Lubin and Vergil Ortiz, adding further intrigue to Spence Jr.’s career trajectory.
Cataract Surgery: A Game Changer?
Spence Jr.’s recent revelation about undergoing cataract surgery adds another layer of complexity to his story. In a now-deleted social media post (reported by various outlets like BoxingScene and Dallas News), Spence Jr. attributed some of his struggles against Crawford to the cataract affecting his vision. “It’s been past due,” he stated. “Sh!t was covering my eye. Why [do] you think I got hit with so many jabs and hooks? Still a great performance by bro [Crawford].” This admission raises questions about how the cataract might have impacted his performance in previous fights and adds a new dimension to analyzing his future prospects. While Spence has given Crawford full credit for the win, it’s hard not to wonder how much the cataract affected his ability to see punches coming or react as quickly as he normally would.
This wasn’t Spence Jr.’s first encounter with eye issues. In August 2021, a retinal tear in his left eye forced him to withdraw from a highly anticipated fight against Manny Pacquiao. “Errol Spence Jr. has dropped out of his pay-per-view fight with Manny Pacquiao due to a retinal tear in his left eye,” confirmed multiple news outlets at the time. His subsequent surgery was successful, but the recent cataract surgery on his right eye, just months after the Crawford loss, highlights the ongoing challenges he faces.
The long-term effects of these procedures remain uncertain. While doctors anticipate a full recovery, the cumulative impact of two eye surgeries within a relatively short period is a factor to consider. Ongoing research on the long-term impacts of such surgeries suggests the medical understanding is constantly evolving.
Spence Jr.’s Uncertain Future
Spence Jr.’s move to super welterweight presents a complex picture. The higher weight class could offer a new beginning, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Will he be able to overcome the size disadvantage against larger opponents? Will his power still be a deciding factor? And how much did his previous eye condition affect his overall performance?
Pros of the Move:
- Fresh Start: A new division offers a chance to reinvent himself and build a new legacy.
- Title Opportunity: The Fundora fight presents an immediate path to a world title.
- Potential Power Advantage: His power may be even more impactful against slightly smaller opponents.
Cons of the Move:
- Size Disadvantage: He’ll be facing naturally larger fighters.
- Adapting to New Styles: The super welterweight division presents unique stylistic challenges.
- Increased Stakes: The competition is fierce, and every fight will be crucial for his comeback.
With boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya expressing interest in promoting a major fight for Spence Jr. in 2025 and even Mike Tyson praising his abilities, the future holds both promise and uncertainty. Only time will tell if Spence Jr. can regain his championship form and solidify his place among boxing’s elite.
The Crawford Rematch: Still a Possibility?
The contractual rematch clause with Crawford still exists, adding another layer of intrigue. However, Spence Jr.’s move to super welterweight makes the timing and feasibility of a rematch uncertain. Would it take place at welterweight or super welterweight? Would a fully recovered Spence, with clear vision, present a different challenge to Crawford? These questions linger as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this rivalry.
What’s Next for Errol Spence Jr.?
Errol Spence Jr. stands at a crossroads. He’s facing new challenges, both physical and professional, but he’s also shown resilience and a determination to succeed. His journey back to the top is paved with uncertainty, but it also holds the potential for a remarkable comeback story. The boxing world will be watching closely as Spence Jr. navigates this critical juncture in his career.
Errol Spence Jr.’s Crawford Fight Payout: Unraveling the Millions Behind the Mega-Bout
The clash between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford on July 29, 2023, was a boxing spectacle that captivated fans worldwide. While the sporting world focused on the outcome, many were also curious about the financial rewards, especially for Spence Jr. His guaranteed purse was a relatively modest $250,000. However, the real money in mega-fights like this comes from pay-per-view (PPV) shares, and the Crawford-Spence bout generated significant revenue.
Breaking Down the PPV Bonanza
Reports suggest the fight generated between 650,000 and 700,000 PPV buys, with a price tag of $84.99 each. This translates to an estimated gross revenue of $55 to $59 million. Spence Jr.’s exact share remains undisclosed, but it likely represents a substantial portion of this revenue. Assuming a hypothetical 50/50 split, which is common though not confirmed, Spence Jr.’s earnings could be in the range of $27.5 to $29.5 million.
| Earning Component | Amount/Estimate |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed Purse | $250,000 |
| PPV Buys | 650,000 – 700,000 |
| Gross PPV Revenue | $55 million – $59 million |
| Spence’s Estimated Share (assuming 50% split) | $27.5 million – $29.5 million |
It’s crucial to remember these figures are estimations. The precise details of Spence Jr.’s earnings remain private and might include other factors like performance bonuses or deductions for taxes and expenses.
From Thousands to Millions: The Evolution of Spence Jr.’s Earnings
Compared to his earlier fights, like the reported $1.22 million earned against Kell Brook in 2017 or the $2 million against Shawn Porter in 2019 (excluding PPV share), the guaranteed purse for the Crawford fight seems small. However, the potential for massive PPV-based earnings drastically changes the equation, showcasing the financial power of mega-fights in modern boxing. Even his purses against Carlos Ocampo (2018) and Leonard Bundu (2016) were $250,000 each, demonstrating how PPV revenue has become the primary driver of income for top-tier fighters.
The Undisclosed Millions: Unraveling the True Value
While the guaranteed purse is known, the real story lies in the undisclosed PPV revenue split. This is where Spence Jr.’s true earnings from the Crawford fight are hidden. Further investigation into typical PPV split agreements in boxing could provide more accurate estimations of his total payout. This also highlights the growing importance of PPV revenue in boxing economics, where mega-fights can generate massive wealth for the fighters involved.
Errol Spence Jr.’s Eye Surgeries: From Retinal Tear to Cataract Removal – A Complete Timeline
Errol Spence Jr.’s boxing journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity, including significant challenges related to his eye health. From a retinal tear that derailed a major fight to a recent cataract surgery, Spence Jr.’s vision has played a crucial role in his career.
A Timeline of Eye Troubles
2021: The Retinal Tear
- August 2021: During a pre-fight medical examination for a highly anticipated bout against Manny Pacquiao, Spence Jr. was diagnosed with a retinal tear in his left eye.
- Surgery and Withdrawal: He underwent surgery to repair the tear, forcing his withdrawal from the Pacquiao fight. Yordenis Ugás stepped in as a replacement.
- Public Statement (Multiple News Outlets): “Errol Spence Jr. has dropped out of his pay-per-view fight with Manny Pacquiao due to a retinal tear in his left eye.”
2024: The Cataract Surgery
- January 2024: Spence Jr. revealed via social media (later deleted but reported by outlets like BoxingScene and Dallas News) that he had undergone cataract surgery on his right eye.
- Impact on Crawford Fight: He linked the cataract to impaired vision during his loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. “It’s been past due. Sh!t was covering my eye,” Spence stated. “Why [do] you think I got hit with so many jabs and hooks? Still a great performance by bro [Crawford].”
- Recovery: The typical recovery time for cataract surgery is approximately eight weeks.
The Long-Term Impact: Uncertainties and Potential Risks
The combined impact of these eye procedures on Spence Jr.’s long-term vision and boxing career remains uncertain. While cataract surgery is generally successful, the potential for long-term effects, especially in conjunction with a previous retinal tear, is a concern.
Key Questions:
- Correlation Between Injuries: Is there a possible link between the trauma of the retinal tear and the subsequent development of the cataract in the other eye? This requires further medical investigation.
- Future Vision Problems: What are the risks of future eye problems for athletes, particularly boxers, who experience similar injuries? This is an area of ongoing research.
- Psychological Impact: How might these eye issues, surgeries, and the Crawford loss affect Spence Jr.’s mental and emotional state? This human dimension adds depth to his story.
Spence Jr.’s journey underscores the physical demands and risks faced by professional boxers. His future in the ring depends on his recovery, his ability to adapt, and his mental fortitude. The boxing world is watching closely to see how he navigates these challenges.
