By Jeff Zimmerman
IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KOs) hosted Media Day at his home gym, R&R Boxing Club in Dallas, Texas as he prepares for his 2nd title defense against Carlos Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday, June 16th at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco and the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. It was a packed house in the sweltering gym as Spence Jr. hit the mitts of his trainer Derrick James and pounded the heavy bag.
Spence Jr. looked lean and fit and in great spirits and is excited to be fighting back at home for only the 2nd time of his career.
“This is my core fan base, this is where I started at, so it feels good fighting in front of my fans especially having my belt,” said Spence. “I thought the first title defense was going to be that, but everything happens for a reason. I’m fighting at the Cowboy training facility and it’s going to be a great show.”
On what he thinks of the venue where he will be the first boxing event held inside the Ford Center.
It’s dope, it’s brand new, it’s dope. They have everything there. The arena is dope. I walked around the first time and it’s going to be a great atmosphere there, 15,000 fans.
On working with Jerry Jones
It’s great. It’s great he knows me and hopefully we will do more business together. Jerry has to make his money work for him. Hopefully he can give me some pointers and make my money work for myself too.
On what to expect from Ocampo
He likes to move, his movement, jab. He’s kind of rangy but in the middle of the fights he likes to fight on the inside. He brings a lot to the table. For me, I just have to stay focused and listen to my coach, be sharp in the ring and I think everything will be all right.
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Trainer Derrick James provided some insight on Spence Jr. training camp. James also trains WBC super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo who fights one week before Spence Jr. on June 9th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Errol looks good, sharp and real slick. His mind is real clear, and his reaction time is great.
On his never-ending quest for perfection from Spence Jr.
Every fight he gets closer and closer. Every now and then he does a couple things I don’t like that we have to work on. He’s really good, he’s very focused and has desire to do better. He’s getting closer and I think everybody sees it.
*Full Interview to follow next week*