10
Loading video...
By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Errol Spence Jr.'s long-awaited comeback ended in defeat on Saturday night, with the former unified welterweight champion strongly indicating after the fight that his boxing career is likely now over.
Tim Tszyu defeated Spence by unanimous decision, earning scorecards of 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 in a 12-round middleweight bout at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The fight marked Spence's first appearance in more than three years following his 2023 loss to longtime rival Terence Crawford.
Read More on News
...
Spence's comeback was one of boxing's most anticipated return stories. Once regarded as one of the sport's best pound-for-pound fighters, the Texas native was attempting to prove he could still compete at the highest level after an extended layoff. Instead, his Australian opponent delivered one of the biggest wins of his career and strengthened his position among the leading contenders at middleweight.
What Happened?
Spence enjoyed success early with his jab and body work, but Tszyu's pressure, size and activity gradually allowed him to take control of the fight.
As the rounds progressed, the Australian repeatedly found a home for his right hand and dictated the pace, while Spence struggled to overcome the effects of a 1,093-day absence from the ring.
Tszyu earned a unanimous decision victory on all three judges' scorecards.
What Did Spence Say?
The most significant moment came after the final bell.
Spence appeared to confirm that he will now step away from boxing, speaking candidly about his future after suffering just the second loss of his professional career.
"It's time to go home with my family and start a new life," the 36 year old said after the fight.
When asked whether this was the end of the road, Spence responded: "Yeah, for sure, man. I got my faculties intact. My money is good and working for itself." He added that he was grateful to leave the sport healthy and with his family beside him.
While no official retirement statement has been released, his comments strongly suggested that the defeat to Tszyu was his final fight.
...
What This Means for Spence's Legacy
If the loss proves to be Spence's final bout, it closes one of the most accomplished careers of the past decade.
Spence has 28 wins and two losses, including 22 knockout victories, and is a former unified welterweight champion who held the WBA, WBC and IBF titles during one of boxing's strongest eras at 147 pounds.
His résumé includes victories over Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Yordenis Ugas and Kell Brook, wins that helped establish him as one of the defining welterweights of his generation.
For years, Spence was viewed as one half of boxing's most anticipated rivalry alongside Terence Crawford.
Their long-awaited showdown finally arrived in 2023, with Crawford handing Spence the first defeat of his career. Although he never fully reclaimed his position at the top of the division afterward, Spence's body of work before that loss helped define the welterweight landscape throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s.
His career was also notable for its resilience. Spence returned from a near-fatal car crash and multiple setbacks outside the ring to recapture championship success and remain among boxing's elite.
Whether or not fans ultimately view him as a Hall of Fame fighter, few would dispute his influence on an era that featured some of the sport's biggest names and highest-profile fights.
...
What's Next for Tim Tszyu?
For Tszyu, 31, the victory represents the biggest name on his résumé and his third consecutive victory as he continues rebuilding momentum at middleweight. The son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu said after the fight that he wants a shot at a world title, and the win over Spence could strengthen his case for a future championship opportunity at 160 pounds.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Daniel Orton and Tony Phillips
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines