By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com and other members of the media caught up with IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence last weekend in Las Vegas prior to Jarrett Hurd's split decision victory over Erislandy Lara. The Showtime broadcast took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
The Texas resident is scheduled to return to the ring on June 16th against his mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.
Spence has been asking for big fights for a while and WBA/WBC welterweight champion Keith Thurman has been at the top of his wish list. Meanwhile Thurman has been out of the ring since his majority decision victory over Danny Garcia last March and recently pulled out of his May 19th bout with an injury so now his return date is up in the air again.
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Spence was asked if he believed Thurman's injury was legitimate.
"Man, you gotta ask Thurman. I don't know. I have no idea. I mean dude gets injured more than anybody I know," Spence explained.
The 28-year-old said that Thurman may have become a bit complacent after unifying titles and making a name for himself but doesn't believe that will ever happen to him.
"I have dreams of being undisputed welterweight champion of the world. I have aspirations of going to 154 pounds and winning a world title and becoming the undisputed champion at 154 so that is what keeps me hungry and keeps me motivated. I don't want to lose to anybody and I have aspirations to be one of the best at all time," Spence stated.
As for who would be his biggest challenge in the welterweight division - with names like Shawn Porter, Terence Crawford and Danny Garcia - Spence didn't hesitate to give Thurman his due.
"Probably Keith Thurman. You need to give the dude his credit. He beat Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia. Shawn Porter is a tough test for anybody. Danny Garcia is tough and beat a lot of good fighters too. You have to give Keith Thurman credit," said Spence.
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