Crawford discards Spence, shifts focus to Pacquiao

CEBU, Philippines —  It seems that Terence Crawford’s desire for a three-belt unification with fellow unbeaten champion Errol Spence has died down.

In a recent report by Sean Zittel of FightHype.com, Crawford (37-0, 28KOs), the reigning WBO welterweight king, declared that a showdown with Spence (27-0, 21KOs), the WBC and IBF titleholder, is no longer a matter of interest for him.

Crawford even made a public pledge not to mention Spence as a future opponent.

“You will never hear me asking for that fight (vs Spence) ever again,” Crawford said. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

“I don’t need that fight. I’m not worried about that fight,” he added.

With Spence out of his sight, Crawford shifts his focus to Pinoy ring star Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39KOs).

“I prefer the Manny Pacquiao fight over Shawn Porter. But Shawn Porter is a great fighter in his own right,” Crawford said. “Manny Pacquiao is fast, moves, and can punch. Shawn Porter is aggressive, tough, durable. I’ll be ready for whichever one comes to fruition.”

Pacquiao himself has been very vocal on his desire to set up a ring clash with Crawford.

Pacquiao, however, reportedly demanded a $40 million purse or almost P2 billion from Top Rank promoter Bob Arum for the megabout to happen.

The only eight-division world champion in history has not fought since pulling off a split decision

victory over the previously undefeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA ‘Super’ welterweight title in July 2019 in Las Vegas.

Just recently, the WBA stripped Pacquiao of his title for his failure to make a single defense.

That doesn’t diminish Pacquiao’s marketability though. At 42, he’s still packs a punch and shines brightly in the constellation of welterweight stars today.