By Sean Reed

If not quite a household name, the noun "Errol Spence" has increasingly resonated within professional boxing circles, for the last few years.   A byproduct of his run of U.S. amateur success, the 2012 London Olympics, positive feedback from his prizefights, the urban legend of his sparring exploits, the growing number of seasoned trainers impressed with his skill-set and demeanor, or all of the above, the name is obviously on your radar. Embarking on his 16th punch-for-pay contest in less than three years, and a swing bout vs Samuel Vargas (20-1-1, 10 KO's) on this Saturday's nationally broadcast, NBC's “Premier Boxing Champions” undercard, we'll sift through what's real and what's Memorex in the fistic existence of Errol "The Truth" Spence, Jr.

You've heard stories of pugilistic prodigies coming out the womb throwing check hooks and lead counters; not Errol Spence.  There's also endless tales of angry, troubled youth, devoid of positive male role models, straightening their lives out via discipline and structure, part and parcel with an early doors indoctrination to boxing.

That doesn't apply to Spence either. 

Errol Spence, Jr. didn't find the sport until he was 15 years of age.  Nonetheless, after a brief test-drive with controlled sparring, success was rather immediate.  And all the while, Spence was raised in a stable, middle-class environment, with two loving, supportive parents ever by his side.  While certainly no saint or choirboy, Errol isn't a thug, criminal, woman beater or gangbanger either.  He's anything but the stereotypical juvenile delinquent, using boxing to find refuge from the trappings of so-called "street life".

Spence's earliest boxing memories consist of watching Lennox Lewis defending the heavyweight championship of the world, on pay-per-view at a Dallas, TX., area barbershop.  Like Lewis, Spence's father, Errol, Sr., is of Jamaican descent so father and son made a point of tuning in whenever Lewis fought. 

One particular summer, while searching for a productive activity to occupy his athletic son's time, Errol Sr. suggested boxing.  After finding a gym, Spence was almost immediately thrown into deep waters, didn't like it right off the bat, but eventually warmed to the task.  The rest just might be history in the making. 

Since 2005, Errol, Jr (or "E.J.", as he's often referred) has littered the Spence family trophy case with just about every major amateur boxing award imaginable.  Among them, three consecutive U.S. Men's National titles, two National P.A.L. championships, a National Golden Gloves title and an Under 19 National championship.  If there was an American ammy boxing accolade or tournament to be won, Spence rose to the occasion and seized it.  He ruled the very competitive 152 pound division with an iron fist, for many years, culminating in a spot on the 2012 United States Olympic team.

Basking in the pre-Olympic glow, Spence remained grounded with hands on, around the clock support from mom, dad and his trainer, Derrick James, himself a former participant at the 1992 U.S. Western Olympic Trials.  James brought roughly 400 bouts of amateur experience, and a professional record of 21 - 7 - 1, 12 KO's into E.J.'s life, and the results have spoken louder than any words could muster.  Coupled with James' tutelage, Spence is a true student of the game; an avid watcher of fight footage, to see what he can learn, add to his arsenal and to dissect potential opponents.  Some days it's fellow southpaw, Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whittaker, other days it's Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Terry Norris and an assortment of others. With the Olympics looming, a Dallas area club show ring announcer anointed Errol with the moniker he carries today, “The Truth”. “Me and Paul Pierce”, as Spence says.

SuSPENCEful Tale: EJ's Olympic Odyssey

Make no mistake, fans, coaches and even former Olympic gold medalists, Oscar Dela Hoya and "Sugar" Ray Leonard were baffled and bothered that the 2012 class of male boxers came home with no jewelry to speak of, a first for the United States.  Having said that, the larger problem is, the American boxing program has been on a slow, steady decline since 1988.  Producing eight medals in those Olympics, four in 1996, two in 2004 and one in 2008.  For what it's worth, Spence advanced as far as any other 2012 U.S. Olympian, reaching the quarter-finals, where he lost to eventual bronze medalist, Andrey Zamkovoy of Russia.  But the moment that left an indelible impression upon American fight fans was the bout prior, a win over India's Krishan Vikas, and the ensuing drama. 

Initially, Vikas was awarded a 13-11 decision, which puzzled commentators, coaches, fans and even the referee, who mistakenly raised Spence's hand in victory.  Heartbroken by what appeared to be the end of his Olympic dream, Spence gave a tearful post-fight interview, baring his soul for all to see.  Right then and there, Errol Spence, Jr. endeared himself to millions who may have otherwise been indifferent, consequently becoming the darling of the 2012 team. 

USA Boxing appealed the decision to the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), who re-watched the fight and overturned the verdict.  It was determined the referee didn't caution Vikas enough times for holding and the ringside judges failed to tabulate at least four of Spence's earned points.  Long story short, the decision was reversed, Spence was credited with a 15-13 win, and advanced to the quarter-finals.  Boxing legends like Evander Holyfield, Mayweather and Jones, Jr. all suffered controversial Olympic losses, but none of them were able to get those unjust rulings righted the way Spence did.

Just like that, the London Games provided the platform and exposure, but what would Spence do with it?  Enter Al Haymon.

 

The decision to sign with Haymon reaped immediate dividends, as five of Spence's first six bouts appeared on noteworthy undercards and /or were televised.  That trend has continued as EJ’s career progresses.

Haymon's promotional influence also had a positive effect on Spence's sparring, as he was brought in to help Mayweather prepare for southpaw Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, in 2013. 

When asked if he was nervous, Spence said, "No, I was excited.  How many young fighters can say they sparred with the best fighter in the world pound for pound?"

Mayweather is known for spewing verbal excrement and trying to get in the heads of those brought in to work with him, and Spence was no exception. 

"The day before we first sparred, I was working out and he yelled “Who is that mother***er hitting my bag”, but other than that, Floyd was real cool.  I definitely held my own and I learned patience and how to stay calm being there."

Spence wouldn't dwell on it, but he actually marked the fighter formerly known as "Pretty Boy", under his right eye.  But he was quick to point out Floyd left him with a battle scar under his own eye as well.  Touche’. Spence was unsure of the exact amount of rounds he went with Floyd but estimates they did eight different sessions, 7 or 8 rounds per session, with five minute rounds.

Prior to it becoming common knowledge he left Adrien "The Problem" Broner out on his feet, during another session, Spence would break into a wide grin when asked about the validity of the gossip.  Today, Errol is quick to point out it was “a while ago” when he sparred Broner and their size difference.  Unlike Paul Spadafora, whose career highlight was that one time, back in the day, when he sparred Floyd - Spence treats his pockets of workout success as mere footnotes. 

He’s looking to be in title contention by the end of 2015.  The plan was to face Leonard Bundu on tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions undercard, Bundu pulled out citing illness.  Enter Samuel Vargas and hopes that the Danny Garcia – Lamont Peterson and/or the Peter Quillin – Andy Lee contests end early, so Spence can get some NBC airtime.