Errol Spence Jr. and second chances

WBC Press / By Paul Landeros

Welterweight is a mythical category in our sport, it was part of the original 8 divisions created by the National Sports Club in England to group boxers into weight categories seeking level competition.

The history of this division is extensive and great legends have distinguished it. Many experts believe that this is the most attractive division because in it we can find the best of the sport: speed, agility, stamina, power, and KO’s.

The division is currently experiencing a new golden era as it is full of talent and on August 21 a further step will be taken to define who is the best fighter at 147 pounds, when the unified champion World Boxing Council and IBF champion, Errol Spence Jr., faces the great legend of our sport: Manny Pacquiao.

Nobody can deny the worth of Pacquiao and many consider him to be the underdog, but the same principles and logic don`t necessarily apply to athletes like him. Manny is ready to continue making history and further his already brilliant legacy even more.

In the other corner, Errol Spence Jr. is aware that defeating Pacquiao will redefine his current status in the division and on the best pound-for-pound lists.

During his career, Errol has defeated great figures, including: Kell Brook, Chris Algieri, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Danny Garcia, among others. He has an undefeated record of 27 fights with 21 KOs, he has a southpaw guard like his rival, and is guided by one of the most brilliant trainers of the modern era: Derrick James.

And although his resume is impressive, Spence is now even more dangerous as after suffering a serious car accident in 2019, he had a revelation that has allowed him to reinvent himself from the understanding that he is now having a second chance.

“With things like this, you realize that having this time on earth is a luxury. You think you’re invincible, you think nothing can happen to you.

“When something does happen to you, you realize the time is important, spending time with your family, your loved ones, people who really care about you, and people you really care about.”

I’m enjoying the time with my kids and my family. I just had a new-born son. And a girlfriend. And, you know, just enjoying life more.”

This August 21, Errol will not fight only to defend what belongs to him against Manny Pacquiao, he will fight for a greater cause, for hunger, for legacy, for his family, for redemption, but above all: for the privilege of being alive and for making his passage through this world something very special.