Tag: Shawn Porter

Fight Week: Errol Spence Jr. makes return vs. Danny Garcia

Fight Week: Errol Spence Jr. faces Danny Garcia in his first fight since his car accident last year.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JAZZA DICKENS (29-3, 11 KOS)
VS. RYAN WALSH (26-2-2, 12 KOS)

James Dickens (pictured here against Nathaniel May) faces Ryan Walsh on Wednesday. Lewis Storey / Getty Images

When: Wednesday, Dec. 2
Where: Production Park Studios, Wakefield, England
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Featherweight (10 rounds)
At stake: Golden Contract tournament final
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Ricards Bolotniks vs. Serge Michel, 10 rounds, light heavyweights (Golden Contract tournament final)
Prediction: Walsh SD
Background: The fight was supposed to have taken place in September but it was postponed after Walsh tested positive for COVID-19. Dickens, a 29-year-old from Liverpool, England, defeated Leigh Wood by a majority decision in a brutal fight on Feb. 21 to reach the tournament final. He has won seven consecutive fights since he back-to-back setbacks in 2016 and 2017, a technical decision against Thomas Patrick Ward and a second round stoppage against Guillermo Rigondeaux. Dickens suffered a broken jaw in the latter fight. Walsh, 34, defeated Tyrone McCullagh by a wide decision the same night of Dickens’ semifinal. Walsh, from Cromer, England, is a former British featherweight titleholder. He is the twin brother of junior lightweight title challenger Liam Walsh.

***

BRANDON ADAMS (21-3, 13 KOS)
VS. SONNY DUVERSONNE (11-2-2, 8 KOS)

Brandon Adams (left) fell short against champion Jermall Charlo in June of last year. Tim Warner / Getty Images

When: Thursday, Dec. 3
Where: Wild Card Boxing Club, Hollywood, Calif.
TV/Stream: NBC Sports Net
Division: Junior middleweight (10 rounds)
At stake: No titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Larry Gomez vs. Brian Ceballo, 10 rounds, welterweights; Mahonri Montes vs. Gor Yeritsyan, 8 rounds, welterweights
Prediction: Adams SD
Background: This is the second installment of the new Ring City USA boxing series at Freddie Roach’s gym on NBC Sports Network. Adams is coming off a near-shutout loss to titleholder Jermall Charlo in June of last year, meaning he will have been out of the ring 18 months. Adams, a decent boxer, made a name for himself by outpointing Shane Mosley Jr. to win the “Contender” series in November 2018. The Los Angeles fighter is ranked No. 10 at middleweight by the WBC. Duversonne, a late comer to boxing at 27, was also a late replacement for this fight. The 30-year-old Floridian has lost his last two fights, although he was competitive in both. He lost a unanimous decision to unbeaten prospect Lorenzo Simpson but put Simpson down on Oct. 9 and lost a split decision to Chordale Booker on Nov. 4. Duversonne has an 80-inch reach, 10 inches longer than Adams’.

***

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS (29-0, 14 KOS)
VS. MARTIN MURRAY (39-5-1, 17 KOS)

Billy Joe Saunders (right) is coming off a wide decision over Marcelo Esteban Coceres in November of last year. Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images

When: Friday, Dec. 4
Where: London
TV/Stream: DAZN
Division: Super middleweight (12 rounds)
At stake: Saunders’ WBO title
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: Saunders 17-1 (BetMGM)
Also on the card: James Tennyson vs. Josh O’Reilly, 12 rounds, lightweights; Zach Parker vs. Cesar Nunez, 10 rounds, super middleweights
Prediction: Saunders UD
Background: Saunders was supposed to have faced Canelo Alvarez earlier this year but the fight was canceled because of COVID-19 and Saunders fell out of consideration as a potential opponent for the Mexican star. The slick boxer from the London suburbs last fought in November of last year, when he stopped Marcelo Esteban Coceres in the 11th-round in a surprisingly competitive fight. The former 160-pound titleholder will be making the second defense of his 168-pound belt, which he won by easily outpointing Shefat Isufi in May of last year. Murray, Saunders’ countryman, will be fighting for a major title for the fifth time after failing in his first four attempts. The 38-year-old drew with Felix Sturm in 2011 and lost to Sergio Martinez (UD), Gennadiy Golovkin (TKO 11) and Arthur Abraham (SD). He has beaten two journeyman since losing a majority decision to Hassan N’Dam in December 2018. His last fight was 13 months ago.

***

ERROL SPENCE JR. (26-0, 21 KOS)
VS. DANNY GARCIA (36-2, 21 KOS)

Errol Spence Jr. (right, against Shawn Porter) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list. AP Photo / Ringo H.W. Chiu

When: Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view
Division: Welterweight (12 rounds)
At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: Spence No. 5
Odds: Spence 3½-1 (BetMGM)
Also on the card: Sebastian Fundora vs. Habib Ahmed, 12 rounds, junior middleweights; Julio Ceja vs. Eduardo Ramirez, 12 rounds, featherweights; Josesito Lopez vs. Francisco Santana 10 rounds, welterweights; Miguel Flores vs. Isaac Avelar, 10 rounds, junior lightweights
Prediction: Spence UD
Background: Spence, a gifted, versatile boxer-puncher, will be making his fifth title defense in his first fight this year. Last year he shut out the smaller Mikey Garcia in March and defeated Shawn Porter by a split decision in a thrilling back-and-forth brawl in September. The following month he was involved in a horrific one-car accident in which he rolled his Ferrari and was thrown through the windshield. Somehow he suffered only minor injuries and says he’s fine now. Garcia is a former two-division titleholder who has lost only in close fights against elite opponents, Keith Thurman (SD) in 2017 and Porter (UD) the following year. He has defeated Adrian Granados (KO 7) in April of last year and Ivan Redkach (UD) in January since the Porter setback. Garcia is naturally smaller than Spence but is known as an excellent counterpuncher with power and a sturdy chin.

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Fight Week: Errol Spence Jr. makes return vs. Danny Garcia

Fight Week: Errol Spence Jr. faces Danny Garcia in his first fight since his car accident last year.

FIGHT WEEK

A look at the coming week in capsules

***

JAZZA DICKENS (29-3, 11 KOS)
VS. RYAN WALSH (26-2-2, 12 KOS)

James Dickens (pictured here against Nathaniel May) faces Ryan Walsh on Wednesday. Lewis Storey / Getty Images

When: Wednesday, Dec. 2
Where: Production Park Studios, Wakefield, England
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Division: Featherweight (10 rounds)
At stake: Golden Contract tournament final
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Ricards Bolotniks vs. Serge Michel, 10 rounds, light heavyweights (Golden Contract tournament final)
Prediction: Walsh SD
Background: The fight was supposed to have taken place in September but it was postponed after Walsh tested positive for COVID-19. Dickens, a 29-year-old from Liverpool, England, defeated Leigh Wood by a majority decision in a brutal fight on Feb. 21 to reach the tournament final. He has won seven consecutive fights since he back-to-back setbacks in 2016 and 2017, a technical decision against Thomas Patrick Ward and a second round stoppage against Guillermo Rigondeaux. Dickens suffered a broken jaw in the latter fight. Walsh, 34, defeated Tyrone McCullagh by a wide decision the same night of Dickens’ semifinal. Walsh, from Cromer, England, is a former British featherweight titleholder. He is the twin brother of junior lightweight title challenger Liam Walsh.

***

BRANDON ADAMS (21-3, 13 KOS)
VS. SONNY DUVERSONNE (11-2-2, 8 KOS)

Brandon Adams (left) fell short against champion Jermall Charlo in June of last year. Tim Warner / Getty Images

When: Thursday, Dec. 3
Where: Wild Card Boxing Club, Hollywood, Calif.
TV/Stream: NBC Sports Net
Division: Junior middleweight (10 rounds)
At stake: No titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Larry Gomez vs. Brian Ceballo, 10 rounds, welterweights; Mahonri Montes vs. Gor Yeritsyan, 8 rounds, welterweights
Prediction: Adams SD
Background: This is the second installment of the new Ring City USA boxing series at Freddie Roach’s gym on NBC Sports Network. Adams is coming off a near-shutout loss to titleholder Jermall Charlo in June of last year, meaning he will have been out of the ring 18 months. Adams, a decent boxer, made a name for himself by outpointing Shane Mosley Jr. to win the “Contender” series in November 2018. The Los Angeles fighter is ranked No. 10 at middleweight by the WBC. Duversonne, a late comer to boxing at 27, was also a late replacement for this fight. The 30-year-old Floridian has lost his last two fights, although he was competitive in both. He lost a unanimous decision to unbeaten prospect Lorenzo Simpson but put Simpson down on Oct. 9 and lost a split decision to Chordale Booker on Nov. 4. Duversonne has an 80-inch reach, 10 inches longer than Adams’.

***

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS (29-0, 14 KOS)
VS. MARTIN MURRAY (39-5-1, 17 KOS)

Billy Joe Saunders (right) is coming off a wide decision over Marcelo Esteban Coceres in November of last year. Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images

When: Friday, Dec. 4
Where: London
TV/Stream: DAZN
Division: Super middleweight (12 rounds)
At stake: Saunders’ WBO title
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: Saunders 17-1 (BetMGM)
Also on the card: James Tennyson vs. Josh O’Reilly, 12 rounds, lightweights; Zach Parker vs. Cesar Nunez, 10 rounds, super middleweights
Prediction: Saunders UD
Background: Saunders was supposed to have faced Canelo Alvarez earlier this year but the fight was canceled because of COVID-19 and Saunders fell out of consideration as a potential opponent for the Mexican star. The slick boxer from the London suburbs last fought in November of last year, when he stopped Marcelo Esteban Coceres in the 11th-round in a surprisingly competitive fight. The former 160-pound titleholder will be making the second defense of his 168-pound belt, which he won by easily outpointing Shefat Isufi in May of last year. Murray, Saunders’ countryman, will be fighting for a major title for the fifth time after failing in his first four attempts. The 38-year-old drew with Felix Sturm in 2011 and lost to Sergio Martinez (UD), Gennadiy Golovkin (TKO 11) and Arthur Abraham (SD). He has beaten two journeyman since losing a majority decision to Hassan N’Dam in December 2018. His last fight was 13 months ago.

***

ERROL SPENCE JR. (26-0, 21 KOS)
VS. DANNY GARCIA (36-2, 21 KOS)

Errol Spence Jr. (right, against Shawn Porter) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list. AP Photo / Ringo H.W. Chiu

When: Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV/Stream: Pay-per-view
Division: Welterweight (12 rounds)
At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: Spence No. 5
Odds: Spence 3½-1 (BetMGM)
Also on the card: Sebastian Fundora vs. Habib Ahmed, 12 rounds, junior middleweights; Julio Ceja vs. Eduardo Ramirez, 12 rounds, featherweights; Josesito Lopez vs. Francisco Santana 10 rounds, welterweights; Miguel Flores vs. Isaac Avelar, 10 rounds, junior lightweights
Prediction: Spence UD
Background: Spence, a gifted, versatile boxer-puncher, will be making his fifth title defense in his first fight this year. Last year he shut out the smaller Mikey Garcia in March and defeated Shawn Porter by a split decision in a thrilling back-and-forth brawl in September. The following month he was involved in a horrific one-car accident in which he rolled his Ferrari and was thrown through the windshield. Somehow he suffered only minor injuries and says he’s fine now. Garcia is a former two-division titleholder who has lost only in close fights against elite opponents, Keith Thurman (SD) in 2017 and Porter (UD) the following year. He has defeated Adrian Granados (KO 7) in April of last year and Ivan Redkach (UD) in January since the Porter setback. Garcia is naturally smaller than Spence but is known as an excellent counterpuncher with power and a sturdy chin.

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Danny Garcia relishes the role of underdog vs. Errol Spence Jr.

Danny Garcia relishes the face he is the underdog against Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

Tell Danny Garcia that he’s the underdog and he smiles. Suggest that he doesn’t get the credit he deserves and he shrugs. He’s used to it.

Garcia knows what he’s capable of because he has more big victories than all but a handful of boxers in the world. And the former two-division titleholder plans to collect one more on Saturday, when he challenges welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, Spence’s hometown.

Spence is a 3½-1 favorite (BetMGM) to beat Garcia, who consensus says is the inferior all-around fighter and naturally smaller man.

“It’s crazy,” Garcia said. “I’ve been the underdog my whole career. When I’m not the underdog, I don’t feel right. So I’m right where I want to be right now. I’m in my comfort zone.”

Danny Garcia is comfortable with being underestiamted. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions

Spence (26-0, 21 KOs) is a special fighter, no question about it. And, yes, he’s a big, strong 147-pounder.

Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) has by far the more robust track record. The Philadelphia fighter is a former two-division champion who has lost only twice in his career, close decisions against former 147-pound champs Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, who lost a tight fight against Spence.

And consider his remarkable run between 2011 and 2018. He defeated in succession: Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Morales again, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Maurico Herrera, Rod Salka, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Robert Guerrero.

That led to the Thurman and Porter fights, both of which could’ve gone either way. He could be 38-0 and on every pound-for-pound list had he won a few more rounds in those fights.

As it is, Garcia, 32, has proved repeatedly for a decade that he can win big fights. And he believes people have taken notice.

Garcia does mitt work with his father/trainer Angel Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions

“I feel like numbers don’t lie at the end of the day,” said the Philadelphia fighter. “This is a numbers game. … If the media pumps you like a superstar and the fans don’t like you, you can’t force the fans to like you, you can’t force them to buy tickets, you can’t force them to watch you fight.

“I proved that no matter what people say about me, they come to watch me. And my fans love me.”

Spence’s fans love him too. And there will many of them on hand – socially distanced — Saturday at the Dallas Cowboys home stadium, which could give the titleholder an advantage.

Of course, that doesn’t faze Garcia. Fighting for a world title as the underdog in enemy territory doesn’t make him nervous. It makes him excited.

He can’t wait for his latest challenge.

“It’s definitely the energy I like, the chip I like to have on my shoulder,” he said. “It’s like I’m proving myself all over again after so many world title fights and big events, and I have to prove myself again.

“That’s what keeps me going.”

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Danny Garcia relishes the role of underdog vs. Errol Spence Jr.

Danny Garcia relishes the face he is the underdog against Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday.

Tell Danny Garcia that he’s the underdog and he smiles. Suggest that he doesn’t get the credit he deserves and he shrugs. He’s used to it.

Garcia knows what he’s capable of because he has more big victories than all but a handful of boxers in the world. And the former two-division titleholder plans to collect one more on Saturday, when he challenges welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, Spence’s hometown.

Spence is a 3½-1 favorite (BetMGM) to beat Garcia, who consensus says is the inferior all-around fighter and naturally smaller man.

“It’s crazy,” Garcia said. “I’ve been the underdog my whole career. When I’m not the underdog, I don’t feel right. So I’m right where I want to be right now. I’m in my comfort zone.”

Danny Garcia is comfortable with being underestiamted. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions

Spence (26-0, 21 KOs) is a special fighter, no question about it. And, yes, he’s a big, strong 147-pounder.

Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) has by far the more robust track record. The Philadelphia fighter is a former two-division champion who has lost only twice in his career, close decisions against former 147-pound champs Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, who lost a tight fight against Spence.

And consider his remarkable run between 2011 and 2018. He defeated in succession: Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Morales again, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Maurico Herrera, Rod Salka, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Robert Guerrero.

That led to the Thurman and Porter fights, both of which could’ve gone either way. He could be 38-0 and on every pound-for-pound list had he won a few more rounds in those fights.

As it is, Garcia, 32, has proved repeatedly for a decade that he can win big fights. And he believes people have taken notice.

Garcia does mitt work with his father/trainer Angel Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / TGB Promotions

“I feel like numbers don’t lie at the end of the day,” said the Philadelphia fighter. “This is a numbers game. … If the media pumps you like a superstar and the fans don’t like you, you can’t force the fans to like you, you can’t force them to buy tickets, you can’t force them to watch you fight.

“I proved that no matter what people say about me, they come to watch me. And my fans love me.”

Spence’s fans love him too. And there will many of them on hand – socially distanced — Saturday at the Dallas Cowboys home stadium, which could give the titleholder an advantage.

Of course, that doesn’t faze Garcia. Fighting for a world title as the underdog in enemy territory doesn’t make him nervous. It makes him excited.

He can’t wait for his latest challenge.

“It’s definitely the energy I like, the chip I like to have on my shoulder,” he said. “It’s like I’m proving myself all over again after so many world title fights and big events, and I have to prove myself again.

“That’s what keeps me going.”

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Video: Highlights of Conor Benn’s victory over Sebastian Formella

Here are highlights from Conor Benn’s impressive victory over Sebastian Formella on Saturday in London.

Conor Benn made a strong statement against Sebastian Formella on Saturday night in London.

Benn, the son of retired champion Nigel Benn, outboxed him game, but overmatched opponent to beat Formella as convincingly as former welterweight titleholder Shawn Porter did.

The scores were 100-91, 99-91 and 99-92, all for Benn. Boxing Junkie had it 99-91. Porter shut out Formella in a 12-round fight.

It was arguably the finest performance of Benn’s career, which put the top 147-pounders on notice that a threat to them could make its way over from the U.K. one day soon.

Here are highlights of the fight, courtesy of DAZN,

[jwplayer 7J5bvKUz]

 

 

Video: Highlights of Conor Benn’s victory over Sebastian Formella

Here are highlights from Conor Benn’s impressive victory over Sebastian Formella on Saturday in London.

Conor Benn made a strong statement against Sebastian Formella on Saturday night in London.

Benn, the son of retired champion Nigel Benn, outboxed him game, but overmatched opponent to beat Formella as convincingly as former welterweight titleholder Shawn Porter did.

The scores were 100-91, 99-91 and 99-92, all for Benn. Boxing Junkie had it 99-91. Porter shut out Formella in a 12-round fight.

It was arguably the finest performance of Benn’s career, which put the top 147-pounders on notice that a threat to them could make its way over from the U.K. one day soon.

Here are highlights of the fight, courtesy of DAZN,

[jwplayer 7J5bvKUz]

 

 

Conor Benn outclasses Sebastian Formella, wins wide decision

Conor Benn outclassed Sebastian Formella en route to winning a wide decision Saturday in London.

Conor Benn took a significant step in his young career on Saturday night in London.

Benn outclassed Sebastian Formella to win a wide decision in a 10-round welterweight fight, arguably the strongest performance since he turned pro in 2016.

Formella, who went the distance with Shawn Porter on Aug. 22, was seen as the biggest test for the son of Nigel Benn. If so, he gets an “A”.

Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) had too much of everything for his German opponent at SSE Arena. He picked Fromella (22-2, 10 KOs) apart when they fought at an arm’s length – landing the much quicker, harder shots – and got the better of his opponent when they fought toe-to-toe.

Formella was just as resilient against Benn as he was when he fought Porter but, in both fights, solid technique and toughness weren’t enough for him to be competitive.

Conor Benn arguably gave the strongest performance of his career on Saturday. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

The loser, realizing after a few rounds that he was ineffective at a distance, demonstrated his courage but pushing the action and engaging Benn inside beginning in the middle rounds. However, he continued to take punishment until the final bell.

Benn’s only flaw was his inability to stop a fighter he dominated but that’s more a testament to Formella’s remarkable toughness than any deficiency on Benn’s part.

The scores were 100-91, 99-91 and 99-92, all for Benn. Porter shut out Formella in a 12-round fight.

Benn made a strong statement, demonstrating that the top 147-pounders might have their hands full with the 24-year-old Essex resident sometime in the near future.

“I’m getting better every time,” said Benn, who hadn’t fought since he stopped Steve Jamoye in October of last year. “I’m working hard. There is no fun and games. This is all business. …

“I just beat a former [secondary] world champion who went the distance with Shawn Porter. And I beat him just as good.”

Benn isn’t getting carried away after only 17 professional bouts and a limited amateur career. He has his eye on regional rivals for now, not the elite 147-pounders like Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford and Manny Pacquiao.

“There’s only one fight I’m interested in, and that’s Josh Kelly,” he said of his fellow British prospect. Forget all the other people calling me out. I don’t care. The only big domestic [opponent] I want is Kelly.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, standing beside Benn when he was interviewed after the fight, said a Benn-Kelly fight could happen.

Kelly is expected to fight David Avanesyan in January. If Kelly wins that fight and Benn wins once more, Hearn said, Kelly and Benn could meet sometime in the summer.

“That’s a blockbuster for the summer,” Hearn said. “I know [Kelly trainer] Adam Booth would have no problem taking that fight.”

Benn looked wide-eyed at Hearn after he made that comment and asked, “Are you sure?” Hearn responded, “I believe so.”

Benn evidently is on his way.

Conor Benn outclasses Sebastian Formella, wins wide decision

Conor Benn outclassed Sebastian Formella en route to winning a wide decision Saturday in London.

Conor Benn took a significant step in his young career on Saturday night in London.

Benn outclassed Sebastian Formella to win a wide decision in a 10-round welterweight fight, arguably the strongest performance since he turned pro in 2016.

Formella, who went the distance with Shawn Porter on Aug. 22, was seen as the biggest test for the son of Nigel Benn. If so, he gets an “A”.

Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) had too much of everything for his German opponent at SSE Arena. He picked Fromella (22-2, 10 KOs) apart when they fought at an arm’s length – landing the much quicker, harder shots – and got the better of his opponent when they fought toe-to-toe.

Formella was just as resilient against Benn as he was when he fought Porter but, in both fights, solid technique and toughness weren’t enough for him to be competitive.

Conor Benn arguably gave the strongest performance of his career on Saturday. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

The loser, realizing after a few rounds that he was ineffective at a distance, demonstrated his courage but pushing the action and engaging Benn inside beginning in the middle rounds. However, he continued to take punishment until the final bell.

Benn’s only flaw was his inability to stop a fighter he dominated but that’s more a testament to Formella’s remarkable toughness than any deficiency on Benn’s part.

The scores were 100-91, 99-91 and 99-92, all for Benn. Porter shut out Formella in a 12-round fight.

Benn made a strong statement, demonstrating that the top 147-pounders might have their hands full with the 24-year-old Essex resident sometime in the near future.

“I’m getting better every time,” said Benn, who hadn’t fought since he stopped Steve Jamoye in October of last year. “I’m working hard. There is no fun and games. This is all business. …

“I just beat a former [secondary] world champion who went the distance with Shawn Porter. And I beat him just as good.”

Benn isn’t getting carried away after only 17 professional bouts and a limited amateur career. He has his eye on regional rivals for now, not the elite 147-pounders like Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford and Manny Pacquiao.

“There’s only one fight I’m interested in, and that’s Josh Kelly,” he said of his fellow British prospect. Forget all the other people calling me out. I don’t care. The only big domestic [opponent] I want is Kelly.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, standing beside Benn when he was interviewed after the fight, said a Benn-Kelly fight could happen.

Kelly is expected to fight David Avanesyan in January. If Kelly wins that fight and Benn wins once more, Hearn said, Kelly and Benn could meet sometime in the summer.

“That’s a blockbuster for the summer,” Hearn said. “I know [Kelly trainer] Adam Booth would have no problem taking that fight.”

Benn looked wide-eyed at Hearn after he made that comment and asked, “Are you sure?” Hearn responded, “I believe so.”

Benn evidently is on his way.

Errol Spence Jr. chose to fight Danny Garcia in part to motivate himself

Errol Spence Jr. said he chose to defend his title against Danny Garcia in part to motivate himself.

Errol Spence Jr. could’ve chosen to fight anyone after his car accident and no one would’ve questioned him. The welterweight titleholder, who will defend his belt on Dec. 5 at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, could’ve easily beaten a journeyman to prove to himself and the world that he has fully recovered.

Instead, he chose to face one of the most-respected fighters in his division, Danny Garcia. Why? To bring out the best in himself.

“If I took a tune-up fight, I wouldn’t be as focused or dedicated as I am right now,” Spence said during a virtual media workout. “I know Danny’s dad is pushing him to take my belts in my hometown. So I’ staying focused to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“This is as good as I’ve ever felt. You can see I’m sweating today and I’m not dried out. There’s no struggle to make weight. I’m just feeling good.”

Errol Spence Jr. looks fit during a virtual media workout Thursday. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

That’s remarkable given the severity of the accident, which occurred in October in his hometown of Dallas. Spence’s speeding Ferrari hit a median in the road, flipped over and he was ejected.

Somehow he didn’t suffer a serious injury. And, with the blessing of doctors, he was back in the gym before the end of the year.

Spence will have to prove to those watching on Dec. 5 that he is suffering no lingering effects from the crash but he convinced himself and those close to him long ago that he’s perfectly fine.

He last fought in September of last year, when he defeated Shawn Porter by a split decision in a thrilling, give-and-take fight.

“There was a lot of uncertainty after my accident, but I knew that I wanted to keep training and make sure that I’m 100% ready to get into the ring. The doctors gave me the okay and said everything is fine, so I’m ready to go.”

He knows that he had better be ready to go.

Spence (hitting mitts with trainer Derrick James here) has been in the gym for most of the past year. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) is a 3½-1 underdog, according to BetMGM, but is perceived to be a genuine threat to Spence (26-0, 21 KOs). The Philadelphian is a two-division titleholder with proven ability, power and resilience. And, as Spence’s trainer Derrick James said, “Danny is a very smart fighter.”

Only Porter and Keith Thurman were able to beat Garcia and both fights could’ve gone the other way.

“I picked Danny Garcia because he’s a tough opponent with a granite chin,” Spence said. “He’s always in tough close fights. He’s going to bring the best out of me.

“… I don’t know if Danny is the hardest puncher I’ve faced. We’ll see when I get into the ring against him. But I know that I’m not Amir Khan or Adrian Granados or anyone else that he’s knocked out.”

One thing seems obvious as the fight approaches: Spence and James have left no stone unturned.

Spence has essentially been in the gym for almost a year. And he and Garcia agreed in late July to fight one another, which gave “The Truth” more than three months to tailor his training specifically for Garcia.

The accident aside, he might be better prepared for this fight than any other in his career.

“Errol has been working hard,” James said. “The dedication and determination are there. He’s pushing himself as hard or harder than ever. You can tell there’s a competition within himself so that he can push himself to be the best he’s ever been.

“[Garcia is] one of the most decorated fighters in the sport and he’s got a great resume. He’s definitely a threat. So me and Errol both need to be on our ‘A’ game to be able to beat him.”

Spence doesn’t seem to have doubts about what we’ll see on Dec. 5.

“I want to make an impactful statement,” he said. “I guarantee there’s going to be highlights everywhere from this one. It’s going to be a great performance.”

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Errol Spence Jr. chose to fight Danny Garcia in part to motivate himself

Errol Spence Jr. said he chose to defend his title against Danny Garcia in part to motivate himself.

Errol Spence Jr. could’ve chosen to fight anyone after his car accident and no one would’ve questioned him. The welterweight titleholder, who will defend his belt on Dec. 5 at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, could’ve easily beaten a journeyman to prove to himself and the world that he has fully recovered.

Instead, he chose to face one of the most-respected fighters in his division, Danny Garcia. Why? To bring out the best in himself.

“If I took a tune-up fight, I wouldn’t be as focused or dedicated as I am right now,” Spence said during a virtual media workout. “I know Danny’s dad is pushing him to take my belts in my hometown. So I’ staying focused to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“This is as good as I’ve ever felt. You can see I’m sweating today and I’m not dried out. There’s no struggle to make weight. I’m just feeling good.”

Errol Spence Jr. looks fit during a virtual media workout Thursday. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

That’s remarkable given the severity of the accident, which occurred in October in his hometown of Dallas. Spence’s speeding Ferrari hit a median in the road, flipped over and he was ejected.

Somehow he didn’t suffer a serious injury. And, with the blessing of doctors, he was back in the gym before the end of the year.

Spence will have to prove to those watching on Dec. 5 that he is suffering no lingering effects from the crash but he convinced himself and those close to him long ago that he’s perfectly fine.

He last fought in September of last year, when he defeated Shawn Porter by a split decision in a thrilling, give-and-take fight.

“There was a lot of uncertainty after my accident, but I knew that I wanted to keep training and make sure that I’m 100% ready to get into the ring. The doctors gave me the okay and said everything is fine, so I’m ready to go.”

He knows that he had better be ready to go.

Spence (hitting mitts with trainer Derrick James here) has been in the gym for most of the past year. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) is a 3½-1 underdog, according to BetMGM, but is perceived to be a genuine threat to Spence (26-0, 21 KOs). The Philadelphian is a two-division titleholder with proven ability, power and resilience. And, as Spence’s trainer Derrick James said, “Danny is a very smart fighter.”

Only Porter and Keith Thurman were able to beat Garcia and both fights could’ve gone the other way.

“I picked Danny Garcia because he’s a tough opponent with a granite chin,” Spence said. “He’s always in tough close fights. He’s going to bring the best out of me.

“… I don’t know if Danny is the hardest puncher I’ve faced. We’ll see when I get into the ring against him. But I know that I’m not Amir Khan or Adrian Granados or anyone else that he’s knocked out.”

One thing seems obvious as the fight approaches: Spence and James have left no stone unturned.

Spence has essentially been in the gym for almost a year. And he and Garcia agreed in late July to fight one another, which gave “The Truth” more than three months to tailor his training specifically for Garcia.

The accident aside, he might be better prepared for this fight than any other in his career.

“Errol has been working hard,” James said. “The dedication and determination are there. He’s pushing himself as hard or harder than ever. You can tell there’s a competition within himself so that he can push himself to be the best he’s ever been.

“[Garcia is] one of the most decorated fighters in the sport and he’s got a great resume. He’s definitely a threat. So me and Errol both need to be on our ‘A’ game to be able to beat him.”

Spence doesn’t seem to have doubts about what we’ll see on Dec. 5.

“I want to make an impactful statement,” he said. “I guarantee there’s going to be highlights everywhere from this one. It’s going to be a great performance.”

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