Espinoza Sees Spence-Crawford Rematch in 2024, Hopeful Of Canelo-Crawford, Hearn On Showtime Potentially Leaving Boxing

In today’s boxing news latest headlines, Stephen Espinoza expects the Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. rematch to take place in 2024. 

Following the news that Spence had exercised his rematch clause, there were suggestions that the fight would take place in December. The only outstanding issue appeared to be the actual weight class.

Since Bud won the first fight, Crawford had the right to choose the weight class. Reports stress that Spence favors the fight at 154, while Crawford’s camp were insistent on it being at welterweight. And as those issues are yet to be resolved, Espinoza ruled out the fight from happening this year. 

Espinoza On Spence-Crawford

“Errol did exercise the rematch clause. It’s not quite that simple. It’s not just saying, ‘Hey, I don’t want to fight at this class. I want to fight this class. Look, it’s it’s a discussion. There’s no sort of immediate deadlines on it and deadline but look, we got a busy schedule for the rest of the year. We got a couple more events coming. I don’t think we’re going to end up squeezing it [Crawford vs. Spence rematch] in this year. It’ll probably be next year anyway. So we’ll figure it out,” Espinoza 

Nevertheless, Crawford’s intentions show that he is more focused on targeting another fight between the winner of Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo.

A fight at 168 for Crawford would present him with the chance of becoming undisputed in a third weight class. And at the age of 36, Bud is in the latter parts of his career.

Therefore, moving forward, a rematch with Spence does not make sense given that a bout at 154 holds no belts. Meanwhile, a rematch at 147 does not hold much weight, given the ease with which Crawford beat him. 

In addition, Espinoza can see Alvarez fighting  Crawford moving forward, provided he overcomes Charlo on September 30th, 2023. Canelo will defend his undisputed titles for a third time when he faces off against Charlo, who will move up two weight classes.

Crawford has indicated his desire to face Canelo at 168, as it would give him the chance to create history by becoming a three-weight-undisputed champion. Alvarez has not ruled out the fight, provided that it made sense, which has now been backed up by Espinoza.

Espinoza On Canelo-Crawford

“There was a lot of chatter around it initially. Terence said, ‘Hey, a catchweight.’ Canelo said, ‘No, I’m not going to. He’s too small. Why would I go down?’ But then they both cleared it up, and I think I think it’s because of the magnitude of the opportunity. “Clearly, fans are interested. I think it’s a huge financial opportunity for them, so I think if the fans want it, if the fight makes sense, then I think it’s very doable. It’s really up to Canelo where he wants to go after this. If that’s it and he wants to go in that direction, or you know, but I don’t discount [Jermell] Charlo [winning on Saturday],” Espinoza

Nevertheless, if Charlo were to come out victorious, then that could throw a spanner in the works. The fight will likely have a rematch clause, while Charlo has indicated that he does intend to move back down to 154.

Therefore, a Charlo win followed by a move back down to 154, would not make sense for Crawford. This is particularly since Charlo’s WBO belt at 154 will be stripped once he faces Canelo as Tim Tszyu will be the full champion.

As such, an undisputed fight at 154 with Bud appears unlikely. But if Canelo does win, then a bout with Bud could follow. 

Hearn On Showtime

In addition, Eddie Hearn has responded to the rumors that Showtime could leave boxing in 2024. 

The news drew a massive response from UFC’s Dana White, who was not disappointed at the prospect of this happening. So much so that he hit out at the network’s production and called out Espinoza as a ‘weasel.’

This was in response to the latter’s dig at the UFC as he confirmed that Showtime would have their third gate of the year, which exceeded $20 million. That total was more than what the UFC had generated in their whole history. 

Although Espinoza and White were firing shots, Hearn had a more calm approach to the news. The Matchroom Boxing promoter recalled his prior comments about how the network would not exist in boxing. But in any event, Hearn was disappointed at the prospect of Showtime leaving. 

“I know Stephen Espinoza has given me a lot of stick over the years, and I did say two years ago or whenever it was that Showtime would leave boxing. Obviously, I’m so far ahead of the game that he’s taking a little bit longer for that to happen, but everyone abused me when I said it; everyone keeps playing that clip.

“So if Showtime leaves boxing, I think it’s sad for boxing. I’m not going to sit there and go, ‘Yes, Stephen Espinoza is out of boxing.’ Yes, he’s done a really good job, and I mean that, and I think he’s been a great attribute to the sport,” Hearn

Showtime’s Future

This naturally begs the question: Where would PBC go next? Well, PBC would have to search out a new network deal, which has led to suggestions that it could be DAZN. That would be a historic move, given the bad blood between the two networks.

Leonard Ellerbe has not been shy over his views of DAZN. Although that may be the case, Hearn refused to revel in the prospect of Showtime going out of business. 

“Obviously,  if Al Haymon has lost his broadcast [with Showtime], then he’s going to look to replace them. Maybe that’s a conversation with DAZN. I know he’s talking to other outlets as well, and I’m not one to gloat. If Showtime Leaves Boxing, It’s Sad,” Hearn