Promoter Ellerbe Foresees Spence Jr. Facing Tszyu-Fundora Winner Amid Crawford-PBC Divide

Because of Errol’s close relationship with PBC president Al Haymon, promoter Leonard Ellerbe believes that Errol Spence Jr. will be the one who gets the winner of Saturday’s fight between Tim Tszyu, the WBO junior middleweight champion, and Sebastian Fundora over Terence Crawford.

Even with his talent, Ellerbe notes that Crawford is not affiliated with PBC and is a free agent. While Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) is a member of the “PBC family” and is in the in-group, he is in the out-group. 

The fact that Crawford defeated Spence and that some supporters think he’s the greatest fighter in the world are irrelevant. Since he is not affiliated with PBC, he will not be competing against the victor of the Tszyu vs. Fundora fight. 

Ellerbe adds that Spence—rather than Crawford—is the greater opponent for Tszyu or Fundora. Although Terence’s victory is fantastic, it doesn’t mean that he will be well-liked by paying supporters. 

For the past seven months, Crawford has not taken advantage of his success by taking a prolonged victory lab to celebrate. Crawford made a grave error there. He might have capitalized on his victory over Spence by signing a fight quickly to return to the ring, but he hasn’t exhibited that kind of determination.

“Errol Spence. It’s no knock on Crawford, but Errol Spence is family,” said promoter Leonard Ellerbe in media reports when asked who will probably win Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford and Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora.

“He has a relationship with PBC for a number of years. Terence Crawford is a beast, but he’s not with PBC. He’s a free agent. You know how that goes. I know the PPV numbers. Errol Spence against the winner of that fight [Tszyu vs. Fundora] is a bigger fight [than Crawford against the winner],” he added.

“I can just tell you about the relationship with Errol Spence. He’s on speed dial with Al [Haymon of PBC]. He’s on speed dial with him. “People don’t understand the business. Errol lost a fight. He lost to the better man that night, who is a phenomenal fighter in Terence Crawford. Many people believe he’s the best fighter in the world. But sometimes the performance is different from the business, ” he continued.