Terence Crawford on Possible Errol Spence Jr. Fight: 'I'm Ready When You Ready'

Terence Crawford is determined to force a unification fight against Errol Spence Jr.

Crawford, who holds the WBO welterweight title, took to social media Monday to tell Spence, "I'm ready when you ready. Matter of fact I been ready before I even had a 147 LB fight. Like I been said you got these people fooled but not me" (h/t ESPN's Dan Rafael).

IBF and WBC titleholder Spence had posted Sunday to say he's not ducking Crawford. Rafael noted how Spence is stepping up his training as he bids to make a comeback from injuries suffered during a car accident in October.

Crawford believes Spence is making excuses and moving the barriers in front of Crawford to help prevent making an official bout: "So what's been the hold up homie? When I came to the division y'all all said I had to get a title first. Now you changed yo mind and talking about wrong side of the street. So I'm just here for another excuse what's up."

Trading barbs on social media platforms continues the simmering tensions between these two welterweight champions. The main issue is centred on the different promotions each man fights under.

Crawford is part of Bob Arum's Top Rank, while Spence fights for Fox, promoted by Al Haymon. The latter has the pick of the top fighters in the division, including Spence, Manny Pacquiao, Shawn Porter and Keith Thurman.

It means Crawford has been denied a truly top-draw bout, even if the 32-year-old has been an active champion despite the disparity in competition. Crawford successfully defended his strap against both Amir Khan and Egidijus Kavaliauskas, with the latter losing via a ninth-round knockout at New York's Madison Square Garden back in December.

Feeling like he's primed for more lucrative bouts, Crawford has called on Spence to stop hiding behind the promoters. Instead, he wants the 29-year-old dual champion to demand the fight.

However, Spence has urged Crawford to stop the talking and take the discussions to where they might make an actual difference:

A unification fight between two unbeaten fighters widely regarded as the most talented in the division today would surely draw a crowd. Crawford has won 27 of his 36 professional fights by knockout, while Spence has knocked out 21 of 26 opponents.