By Victor Salazar
New York - This past weekend the welterweight division and its path for clarity as to which fighter is the best in the division became a bit clearer when Keith Thurman (28-0, 22 KO’s) won a split decision against Danny Garcia (33-1, 19 KO’s) and unified the WBA and WBC world titles.
One man who figures to have a say in the future proceedings is Errol Spence Jr (21-0, 18 KO’s). Many feel he has a chance to be the best in the division and he will get his chance to prove his worth when he travels to England to take on Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KO’s) for the IBF welterweight in late May.
The bout will be televised by Showtime.
Spence strongly feels that a victory over Brook will make him the best fighter at 147-pounds.
“When I beat Kell Brook and do it in his hometown I’m the top dog,” Spence told BoxingScene.com. “Who has done that? Go into enemy territory and get a victory in his home kitchen, I think I’m the top dog. I’m taking more risk”
Spence feels the Brook fight was bound to happen even if Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn is not too keen on the match.
“When the fight with Amir Khan fell through, he said he was going to fight me at 147,” explained the number 1 ranked IBF contender. “I figured he was coming down as he didn’t have options at 154. I respect him for that and think he’s not scared. I commend him for that.
Spence feels Brook is a really good fighter and showed it against Shawn Porter (26-2-1, 16 KO’s) when he defeated Porter en route to winning the IBF title.
“He showed he had a good jab and a good one-two,” stated Spence. "He was catching Shawn coming and he was strong enough to hold him. I think me and Shawn have different styles, I don’t jump in there and be left there to be hold. I don’t think he’ll be able to hold and if he does, I hope the referee intervenes.”