Spence Jr to retire after losing comeback fight
Former unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr has announced his retirement from boxing after losing his comeback fight to Australian Tim Tszyu in Sydney. The American, 36, was making his first appearance since a defeat by Terence Crawford three years ago, but was outclassed throughout by Tszyu, confirming the end of a career that once saw him hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.
Spence lost by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 in Tszyu's favour, having been on the back foot for the whole contest. He retires with a 28-2 record, having first won a world title in 2017 by beating Britain's Kell Brook at Bramall Lane. Tszyu, who grew increasingly confident as the fight progressed, said victory over "a legend" like Spence topped even winning a world title, and he now hopes to challenge for one himself.
- Errol Spence Jr retires after unanimous points defeat to Tim Tszyu.
- Spence finishes his career with a 28-2 record.
- Tszyu now targets a world title shot after the win.
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Errol Spence Jr was one of boxing's most dominant welterweights of the past decade, holding world titles from 2017 until his defeat to fellow American Terence Crawford in 2021. He had not fought in the three years since that loss, stepping away from the sport entirely.
At 36 years old, Spence attempted a comeback against Australian fighter Tim Tszyu in Sydney this week. He was comprehensively outmatched, losing by unanimous decision after struggling throughout the contest.
The defeat marks the likely end of a once-significant career in professional boxing. Tszyu has meanwhile enhanced his credentials as a challenger for a world title in his own right.