I was under the impression though that what WBC ordered is a title eliminator between Ortiz Jr. vs Thurman, winner gets Spence for the WBC belt, or at least what Golden Boy promotion want. But I guess the WBC is not keen on that idea, and so decided to have Thurman vs Spence.
Well, nowadays sanctioning councils do not want to offend big promoters and networks, except probably on the IBF who usually insisted when it comes to its mandatories. But the WBA and WBC as the most corrupt sanctioning bodies in boxing are in constant talks with these big promoters and networks. Vergil Ortiz's title shot is long overdue but we cannot hear mandatory announcements because the WBA/WBC/IBF are with PBC while the WBO was then at Top Rank. Even PBC fighters, the WBA regular Eimantas Stanionis, and IBF mandatory Boots Ennis are sending and petitioning their respective sanctioning bodies to impose and execute their mandatory positions against Spence.
But in any case, why not? This is a great fight in my book, style makes fight and I will say that Thurman is a bad match up for Spence. So we will see how Spence is going to adapt on Keith's style.
This is a big fight indeed because Thurman is still very popular. But I don't think he is the same fighter, the only skill Thurman has these days is his loud mouth. But because he is popular, he is treated like a VIP, he continues to get big fights and title shots. He went inactive for 2 to 3 years but the corrupt WBA didn't even strip his title, the WBC stripped him though. Made a tune-up where he struggled, and was given a shot at Manny Pacquiao right away. Went inactive again then made a tune-up against a 140 guy who was knocked out in his last fight, Thurman backpedaled most of the fight which was supposed to be an easy KO for him. And then here we are WBC mandatory.
I don't think Thurman will return to his usual prime form. He is already rich and unified 2 belts. That first long inactivity made him realize that life is too good to not enjoy while having the money to spend. I don't see his hunger anymore. His previous tune-up says it all. Spence should be able to stop him or cruise to an easy UD.