Errol Spence Jr., who lost to Terence Crawford for the undisputed world welterweight championship in July, has triggered the rematch clause, according to media reports.
Spence’s trainer Derrick James told ESPN on Thursday, and Crawford’s trainer Brian McIntyre told boxing website Pro Boxing Fans, that Spence has activated the clause in the contract for a return fight later this year.
McIntyre said the rematch is confirmed but no date or site is set. Crawford, as the winner of their much-anticipated July 29 bout in Las Vegas, has the choice of fighting again at 147 pounds or moving up to 154.
It’s expected that Crawford will chose the 154-pound limit (junior middleweight). He could then attempt to be the only male boxer to be the undisputed title holder at three weight divisions, adding to his junior welterweight and welterweight crowns.
Crawford, 35, improved to 40-0 (31 knockouts) with his ninth-round TKO of Spence, who was knocked down once in Round 2 and twice in Round 7 in what was expected to be a close fight.
Crawford, of Omaha, Neb., already held the WBO belt and added the WBC, WBA and IBF titles at welterweight.
Spence, 33, of DeSoto, Texas, took his first professional loss. He is 28-1 with 22 knockouts.
–Field Level Media