Errol Spence Jr has retired from boxing after losing a wide unanimous decision to Tim Tszyu in Sydney. The former welterweight champion stepped up to middleweight following three years of inactivity, but he failed to recapture his former sharp form.
Fighting at middleweight for the first time in his career, the 36-year-old southpaw from Dallas struggled to cope with the relentless pressure from his Australian opponent. Spence had brief moments of success with body work during quiet spells in the contest, alongside a spirited effort in the eleventh round. But he faded noticeably as the rounds progressed. Tszyu absorbed Spence’s punches comfortably, repeatedly breaking through his guard with sharper, heavier strikes.
Terence Crawford was in attendance at ringside to watch his former rival. The five-weight world champion had previously predicted a victory for Spence, but his live evaluation reflected the harsh reality inside the ring. Writing on social media as the fight unfolded, Crawford noted: “Body language is not looking good … Tim stronger and just got more snap on his shots. You can see he’s taking Spence shot better than Spence taking his … Reflex’s gone.”
Following the clear loss, Spence announced his immediate retirement from professional boxing.
Addressing his decision after the bout, Spence explained that his focus has shifted entirely to his health and his family. He said: “My money is good, it’s working for itself. Everything’s good, man. I got a beautiful family. I thank God that I’m leaving this sport with my faculties intact and my family still by my side. Everything’s gonna go well … This has been a great journey for myself – it’s time to live family life.”
Spence leaves the sport after a career that featured major title wins over Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, and Danny Garcia. His retirement joins that of Crawford, marking the end of an era for two of the standout welterweight world champions of their generation. For Tszyu, the decisive victory cements his position among the top contenders in the middleweight division.
