Spence (l) said he hopes for around 30,000 fans for the March 16 bout against Garcia (r) GETTY IMAGES
Errol Spence Jr.-Mikey Garcia is the headliner of a "PBC" card at AT&T Stadium on March 16, but some are wondering whether the fight will "draw a strong enough crowd to justify its placement" at the venue, according to Lance Pugmire of the L.A. TIMES. Spence has "captured Texas’ attention, as evidenced by the 12,000-plus that came" to the Star in Frisco this past March to "watch him knock out the unknown Carlos Ocampo in the first round." Spence said, “I’m hoping for 30,000 plus. We’ll have great promotion with Fox backing us." The upcoming fight's "widespread hype" began during Redskins-Cowboys on Thanksgiving when Fox Sports cameras "panned to Spence standing alongside Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, with Joe Buck informing that Fox will enter the pay-per-view business with the Garcia fight." AT&T Stadium has previously "hosted three championship bouts," with each "drawing around 50,000 fans." Spence: "Being on the commercials on Fox before, during and after the NFL games, that’s huge. Many people who aren’t familiar with boxing will see that it’s coming on. Having that network power behind us is sure to make it a big event.” Pugmire noted for Garcia, being a "prominent Latino fighter is one powerful route" to PPV success. He will also be "fighting in Texas for the ninth time after previously winning two world titles in the state" (LATIMES.com, 11/27).
