Terence Crawford and ERROL SPENCE JR have taken a step closer in confirming their undisputed superfight.
Since Crawford's 2018 jump to the 147lb weight division and winning the WBO belt, the pair of welterweight competitors have been in constant contact.
Boxing fans were furious that the unbeaten Americans were kept apart by TV network and promotional alliances.
Crawford quit Top Rank and ESPN to become a free agent. This allowed Crawford to start negotiating with Spence's Premier Boxing Champions stable.
ESPN reports that the pound-for–pound stars have reached an agreement in principle to fight after months of speculation.
The deal was scheduled for November 19, in Las Vegas. However, it is still not signed.
This bout has been nearly a decade in preparation and will finally determine who is the No1 in this division.
Crawford, 34, has won belts ranging from lightweight to welterweight.
He has been competing with Canelo Alvarez (32), Oleksandr Usyk (35), and Vasiliy Lomachenko (34) for the top spot in boxing.
Spence, 32 years old, is currently the unified boss and holds the WBC, WBA, IBF belts.
In 2017, he won the IBF version for the first time, travelling to Sheffield, and defeating Kell Brook (35), in 11 rounds.
In a thriller in 2019, Spence took the WBC crown away from Shawn Porter (34). However, a car accident a month later made Spence lucky to survive.
In December 2020, the Texan beat Danny Garcia (34), and won the WBA title from Yordenis Urgas (36) in April.
Crawford has been in the ring since November when he retired Porter in the tenth of their scheduled 12.
This sets the stage for a title decider with Spence after Spence and Spence managed to keep all four belts.
Crawford is the lighter of the two, but he's also the more versatile.
He is considered the sport's best switch-hitter, and can box in either stance.
Spence is aware that Crawford has 29 knockouts, but he has 22 for Spence. He will still feel the puncher.
The 2012 Olympian will be proud to have shared the ring at welterweight with higher-caliber opponents.
They are both of similar height, so the best technician will be on top.
Now all that's left is an announcement. This would be the rare title bout between two P4P stars at their peak.
Errol Spence Jr beat Yordenis Ugas in April 16
Shawn Porter resigned after being defeated by Terence Crawford
