Errol Spence Jr. Retires From Boxing, Closing the Chapter on One of the Sport’s Greatest Welterweight Careers

The boxing world is saying goodbye to one of its defining champions.

Former unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. has officially announced his retirement from professional boxing following a unanimous decision loss to former world champion Tim Tszyu in Sydney, Australia. At 36 years old, Spence walks away from the sport with an outstanding professional record of 28-2 with 22 knockouts, leaving behind a résumé that all but guarantees future induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Tim Tszyu Earns Career-Defining Victory

The bout marked Spence’s first appearance in nearly three years following his historic showdown against Terence Crawford in 2023. Although many fans hoped the former champion could reclaim his place among boxing’s elite, Tszyu controlled the action over twelve rounds.

Judges scored the fight 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111 in favor of the Australian, who consistently landed the cleaner punches despite Spence throwing more overall shots. Compubox statistics credited Tszyu with outlanding the former champion 190 to 157.

Following the defeat, Spence confirmed what many had speculated throughout fight week—it would be his final appearance inside the ring.

A Champion Who Ruled the Welterweight Division

For much of the late 2010s and early 2020s, few fighters were more dominant than Errol Spence Jr.

Known for relentless pressure, elite body punching, and exceptional conditioning, Spence captured world championships across the WBC, WBA, and IBF welterweight titles. His victories over elite opponents including Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, and Yordenis Ugas established him as one of boxing’s premier pound-for-pound fighters during his prime.

His championship reign helped usher in one of boxing’s strongest welterweight eras, culminating in the long-awaited undisputed showdown with Terence Crawford.

Overcoming Incredible Adversity

Spence’s career wasn’t defined solely by championships.

In 2019, the Texas native survived a horrific high-speed automobile accident that many believed would end both his career and potentially his life. Against overwhelming odds, Spence returned to the ring and successfully defended his world titles, demonstrating the resilience that made him one of boxing’s most respected competitors.

Although he fought only a handful of times after the accident, his comeback remains one of boxing’s most remarkable stories.

Crawford Changed the Landscape

The defining turning point of Spence’s career came in July 2023 when he faced longtime rival Terence Crawford in one of the most anticipated fights of the modern era.

Crawford produced a masterful performance, stopping Spence in the ninth round to become the undisputed welterweight champion. It marked the first loss of Spence’s professional career and ultimately proved to be the beginning of the final chapter before his comeback against Tszyu.

Leaving the Sport on His Own Terms

One of the most admirable aspects of Spence’s retirement is that it comes by choice.

Rather than continuing to fight beyond his physical prime, Spence expressed gratitude that he is leaving boxing with his health, financial security, and family intact. In a sport where many legends compete too long, his decision reflects both wisdom and perspective.

Those comments resonated throughout the boxing community, with fellow fighters and fans praising his willingness to prioritize life after boxing.

A Legacy That Will Stand the Test of Time

Statistics alone cannot fully measure Errol Spence Jr.’s impact on boxing.

He represented the modern throwback fighter—willing to face every top contender while consistently seeking the biggest challenges available. His technical brilliance, physical toughness, and championship mentality made him one of the defining figures of his generation.

As Tim Tszyu continues his pursuit of world titles following the biggest victory of his career, boxing now turns the page on one of its most accomplished champions.

Errol Spence Jr. leaves the sport as a multiple-time unified world champion, one of the finest welterweights of his era, and a fighter whose perseverance inside and outside the ring will be remembered for years to come.