Spence wants title shot: I’ve paid my dues

Photo: Emily Harney

With his knockout win over Leonard Bundu on Sunday afternoon at Coney Island, undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (21-0, 18 KOs) became the mandatory challenger for undefeated IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook. “I definitely want my shot at Kell Brook and his title,” said Spence Jr. “I want him next. If he vacates or gets stripped then I’ll fight for his vacant title. I’ve paid my dues.”Assessing his performance against Bundu, Spence said, “I was a little shakey in the first round and second rounds. He’s very awkward and I was trying to feel him out. Once I was able to catch his rhythm and figure him out, I knew I had him. I knew he was very tough, but he never hurt me. He was switching and jumping in and out and it took me a little bit to adjust to.

“I think this performance showed once again that I am one of the top fighters at 147-pounds.”

Bundu, who was stopped for the first time in his career, stated “He certainly lived up to the hype. Errol was more precise than Keith Thurman. Errol threw more punches and was fresh in every round…I really tried to get up but I couldn’t. I am okay though. I feel good.”