Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. has admitted to considering retirement following his first career defeat at the hands of Terence Crawford. The high-stakes bout on July 29, 2023, ended in a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. Spence, who entered the ring with 28 wins and no losses, saw his dream of becoming the undisputed welterweight champion evaporate as Crawford secured the four-belt crown.
The 36-year-old fighter recently reflected on the mental toll of that defeat, which brought his long-standing unbeaten record to 28-1 (22 KOs). “Definitely, there were thoughts of retirement, but I feel rejuvenated,” Spence said. He credited a prolonged layoff for allowing him to recover, noting that the time away from the sport helped him physically and mentally prepare for a return to professional competition.
Spence is no stranger to overcoming adversity, having previously returned to the ring after a serious single-vehicle accident in October 2019 and a detached retina in 2021. Despite critics suggesting he may be a “shell of himself,” Spence remains defiant, stating that such skepticism only adds “fuel to my fire.” His path back to the elite level mirrors the resilience seen when Derek Chisora scrapped his own retirement plans to continue fighting at a high level.
Transition to super welterweight and lifestyle changes
A major shift in Spence’s approach involves moving up in weight and refining his personal life. The former champion revealed he has cut out alcohol, which he believes was previously hindering his performance. This sobriety has allowed him to focus more on his family and training. “A lot of the vices that I had in the past, I don’t drink anymore, so a lot of the stuff that was slowing me down, it’s not anymore,” he explained.
The move to 154 pounds is seen by many as a necessary physiological change for Spence, who spent years at the welterweight limit. Success at this higher weight class would make him a two-time world champion. This transition occurs at a time when the division is highly competitive, much like how Sebastian Fundora nears his ring return for super welterweight title contention.
Spence acknowledged that fans and analysts have valid concerns regarding his comeback. He noted that if he were “on the outside looking in,” he would also have reservations. However, he remains confident, asserting that he feels more energy and is “physically better” than in previous camps. His professional average of 5.2 rounds per fight suggests he remains a dangerous offensive threat despite the recent setback.
Respect for Crawford’s career-ending decision
While Spence continues his journey, his former rival Terence Crawford has officially stepped away from the sport. Crawford retired after a unanimous decision victory over Canelo Álvarez on September 13, 2025, which saw him claim a super-middleweight world title. Crawford finished his professional career with a perfect record of 42-0, including 31 knockouts, according to data from The Ring Magazine.
Spence expressed deep respect for Crawford’s choice to retire at age 38, particularly while at the top of the sport. “He did everything you could do in the sport, so what’s left?” Spence remarked. Crawford cited the preservation of his health and a desire to be with his family as his primary reasons for leaving, ending a career that spanned over three decades from his amateur beginnings.
The financial impact of their July 2023 encounter remains one of the largest in recent boxing history. The fight reportedly generated 700,000 pay-per-view buys on Showtime PPV, resulting in over $59 million in PPV revenue. Additionally, live gate ticket sales at the T-Mobile Arena surpassed $20 million, cementing both men’s status as major commercial draws before Crawford’s eventual exit from the sport.
Upcoming Australian debut against Tim Tszyu
Errol Spence Jr. has already confirmed his next challenge as he prepares to face Tim Tszyu in Australia. The bout against the former 154-pound titleholder is expected to take place in late July 2026, with reports from boxingnews.com pointing to July 25 and The Ring Magazine citing July 26. The fighters will meet at a catchweight of 158 pounds as Spence settles into the super welterweight landscape.
This fight represents a significant risk, as Tszyu is a formidable opponent with a strong track record at 154 pounds. It will be Spence’s first fight in nearly three years by the time he enters the ring. For Spence, the goal is clear: silence the doubters and re-establish himself as a pound-for-pound powerhouse. As other contenders improve, such as how Daniel Dubois prepares for critical encounters in his own career rise, Spence knows he must prove his durability in Australia.
The upcoming bout is more than just a return to the ring; it is an attempt to rewrite a legacy that was momentarily stalled in Las Vegas. Spence is banking on his “rejuvenated” mindset to carry him through. While your physical health is paramount in boxing, Spence believes his mental clarity will be the deciding factor in whether he can once again claim a world championship belt.
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