If you're Spence do you take the 20+ Million??? Crawford/Thurman will not pay nearly as much, plus they're probably harder fights.
Easy money for Spence and I think canelo and Oscar are underestimating him enough to make it a real fight. Not a cooperative show like ggg or Jacobs. Canelo will need every advantage he can get vs Spence. Will need to stack wraps, ring size, glove size, judges, ref, rehydration clause, maybe even a no body blows allowed clause. I think Oscar might be stupid enough to not specify any cheat tactics.
Smart for who? I am a Boxing fan. I want to see the best fights in each division. Since when did everyone become a promoter?
If his interest is money, sure. Who knows might even win the fight, would be a statement. Wouldn't be mad to take it.
In theory Canelo-Spence PPV would give Spence more exposure. Even if Spence loses could move back down. Spence walks around 170+
Its good for spence as it brings him more exposure and if he loses he can say hes not a proper middleweight and if he wins then it propels him towards superstar status
If Spence's longtime plan is to go for an unbeaten streak, and claim to be TBE or something simular to sell overpriced PPV's, then taking a loss against Alvarez seems like a bad idea. But realistically taking a 20M+ payday for a fight that you're expected to lose isn't a bad deal at all. I'd say take it
What makes anyone think he can take it? Taking Oscars money means fighting on DAZN. Fighting on DAZN means strengthening them and weakening their rivals, Some of whom have agreements with the people controlling Spencer's career. Haven't we now seen sufficient evidence to understand that the amount offered to an individual fighter may have little impact on whether they can take the fight? Spence has repeatedly signalled he plans to stay on his side of the street and take care of business there. That wasn't a random statement, it's likely part of a plan that has been some time in the making and there will be a lot riding on it. I'd bet he stays on that pathway.