Stevie Spark moves up to welterweight ahead of Errol Spence vs. Terence Crawford blockbuster

Ahead of the division’s first-ever undisputed title fight in the four-belt era, Australian fan favourite Stevie Spark has announced he’ll be moving up to welterweight.

After a nine-year professional career at super-lightweight and having toyed with the decision for some time, “The Viking” has confirmed he’ll be making the permanent switch to 147-pounds (67kg).

The move comes on the eve of the long-awaited clash between two undefeated superstars and pound-for-pound contenders in Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, who meet this weekend in Las Vegas for all four belts at welterweight.

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Along with much of the boxing world, Spark will have a particularly close eye on the action, scoping out the competition now he’s swimming in the same pool as Spence, Crawford and a host of other big names.

“I’m going to start taking more of a look at the welterweight division,” Spark told Sporting News.

“I’ve always just had my eyes on 140 and targets there. 

“I’m the type of person that says, ‘If you ain’t in it to be the best, there’s no point being in it at all,’

“If I don’t have aspirations of being a world champion, then I should stop now. 

“I have aspirations of being a world champion and I believe that I will win a world title at welterweight.”

The 26-year-old Queenslander fought his way to a 16-3 record as a super-lightweight, although he stepped up to super-welterweight at late notice to take on Tim Tszyu after the Michael Zerafa bout fell apart.

Since signing with powerhouse promoter Matchroom, Spark travelled to Cleveland and beat hometown favourite Montana Love via disqualification after the frustrated American threw the Aussie out of the ring.

He then travelled to another opponent’s backyard, dropping a controversial split decision to local boy Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela on Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s homecoming undercard in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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Spark said an injury suffered in that fight had given him the chance to think about moving to welterweight.

“My first fight ever was at super-lightweight, so I’m going on nine years now at that same weight,” he explained.

“I just think I’m going to be a better fighter for moving up to that weight. 

“I’m walking around in-camp now at around 74-75 kilos, so you’re talking a 12 kilo cut, it’s just getting a little bit harder and harder. 

“[I’ve been thinking about it for] probably the last two or three fights. Even before the Montana Love fight. 

“It’s been playing on my mind for a bit and I think now’s the right time. Coming off that last fight with two fractures in my hand so I’ve had a little bit of a time.”

The injury and decision to leave the weight class saw Spark knock back a September fight with undefeated New Yorker Richardson Hitchins.

Now nearing full training, Spark believes he’ll be in better shape to both prepare and fight moving forward.

“Those last four weeks of training camp are the most important,” he said.

“They’re the most important sparring sessions, pad sessions, whatever it may be, you want to get the most out of those sessions. 

“If you’re too worried about cutting weight and not eating enough calories, you’re going to be hindering what you’re do in the last four weeks and obviously on fight night, because you’re not fueling properly. 

“I reckon I’m going to be stronger as well. I’ve been known for being a big puncher but sometimes cutting all that weight and that water out can affect your punching power later in the rounds.

“I think I’m going to take my power up another level going up a division and I’m going to have to too, because they all punch a bit harder and they’re all a bit bigger.”

Spark hopes to make his debut at the weight around October.

Matchroom recently announced a co-promotional deal with Tasman Fighters, who handle Australia’s IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia.

Opetaia’s first title defence, versus Englishman Richard Riakporhe, is set to go to purse bid on August 8 and Spark flagged the undercard of that fight as a possible landing spot.

Before then however, he’ll be tuning into to see the best welterweight has to offer and he’s tipping the blockbuster to deliver.

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“My head says Crawford and my heart says Spence,” he said.

“I really want Spence to win but I just think Crawford’s going to be a bit too smart, too clever, he can change it up well.

“I think this is going to be something spectacular. 

“You’re going to see the best of both boys I believe, you could see a Marvin Hagler – “Sugar” Ray kind of fight here where it’s split at the hairs at the very end.

“It’s going to be a great fight to watch and one I’m going to be watching closely.”