Tuesday 8 August 2017 17:18, UK
Errol Spence Jr says he earned Floyd Mayweather's respect after shedding more light on claims about his sparring sessions with the former pound-for-pound No 1.
The unbeaten 27-year-old has been hailed as one of the hottest talents in America ahead of his IBF welterweight title fight against British champion Kell Brook on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Rumours have circulated that Spence Jr more than held his own when he sparred with Mayweather in the early stages of his professional career and 'The Truth' revealed more details about when they shared the ring.
"Me and Floyd Mayweather met when I was 2-0," Spence Jr exclusively told Sky Sports.
That's the dream to spar the best fighter in the world, and he's in my weight class and I've just turned pro, so I was like definitely.
"He needed somebody to spar, he was stopping a lot of guys in the gym, knocking them out, and a guy named Luis Arias and J'Leon Love who signed with the 'Money Team', they basically called me and was like 'Floyd needs some work man, he's beating everybody up.'
"I had just come out of a fight. I was off for two weeks and was like, 'yeah I'll spar with Floyd'. That's the dream to spar the best fighter in the world, and he's in my weight class and I've just turned pro, so I was like definitely.
"I came out there and I sparred him and I basically earned his respect."
Spence Jr is hoping to become the latest American world champion in the welterweight division and regularly receives the support of Mayweather, who held three titles in that division.
He said: "Ever since then he will call me on Facetime, he will text me to check up on me and see how I'm doing and stuff like that. We're good."
Watch Brook vs Spence Jr, from Bramall Lane, Sheffield, May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office. You can book the event online here.
