Oscar De La Hoya, the promoter for Ryan Garcia, has made it clear that he believes Errol Spence Jr. is not interested in stepping into the ring with the young contender. Despite Ryan’s call-out to Spence, the former unified welterweight champion has shown little enthusiasm, dismissing the idea by suggesting that he does not do “tune-up” fights. De La Hoya boldly stated, “Trust me, Errol Spence Jr. does not want the smoke [against] Ryan Garcia,” highlighting the apparent reluctance on Spence’s part to engage in a potential showdown.
Instead of entertaining the idea of facing Ryan Garcia, Spence has set his sights on WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora as a potential opponent. It seems that Spence’s management team at Premier Boxing Champions has already identified Fundora as the next target for the former welterweight champion. Despite the potential financial gains from a fight against Ryan Garcia, Spence’s team seems to prefer pursuing bouts that could lead to more lucrative opportunities in the future, such as clashes with the likes of Tim Tszyu and a rematch with Terence Crawford.
The Concerning State of Spence’s Career
There are growing concerns about Errol Spence Jr.’s physical condition and performance in the ring. Many observers believe that Spence appears to be past his prime, showing signs of physical deterioration due to a combination of factors such as age, injuries, accumulated ring wear, past car accidents, and weight fluctuations. This decline in Spence’s abilities has led to doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level against top contenders in the 147 and 154-pound divisions.
Risk vs. Reward Analysis
When considering the potential risks and rewards of a potential fight against Ryan Garcia, it becomes evident why Spence’s team might be hesitant to pursue this matchup. While the financial incentives could be significant, a loss to Garcia could jeopardize Spence’s chances of securing lucrative bouts against other high-profile opponents like Fundora, Tszyu, and Crawford. Given Spence’s current form and the challenges he is facing, it may be strategically wiser for his management to steer him towards opponents like Fundora, who may present a less formidable challenge compared to Garcia.
Looking ahead, the path for Errol Spence Jr.’s career remains uncertain. With questions surrounding his physical condition and performance, it is crucial for Spence and his team to make strategic decisions that align with his capabilities and aspirations in the sport. Whether Spence will continue to compete at an elite level and secure significant victories against top opposition or face further setbacks remains to be seen. Ultimately, the choices made by Spence and his management will shape the trajectory of his career in the coming months and years.