Errol Spence Jr., once a dominant force in boxing, now finds himself at a crossroads. After the WBO declined to sanction his anticipated title fight against WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora, Spence is left without a clear next step. For a fighter who hasn’t been in the ring since a tough loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023, the news is another blow to a career already clouded by setbacks.
When a fan on social media asked about his return, Spence’s response was simple but defiant: “I’ll be back when I’m ready.”
Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) hasn’t fought in nearly 18 months. His last outing-a ninth-round knockout loss to Crawford-showcased a fighter who looked far removed from his prime. That loss, combined with years of inactivity, lingering injuries, and the physical toll of a 2019 car crash, has left many wondering if Spence will ever return to the fighter he once was.
For fans, the question isn’t just when Spence will return-it’s if he should. His performances over the past few years haven’t matched the dominance he displayed earlier in his career. Some have even called for him to retire, arguing that his best days are behind him. But Spence is determined to make his own decisions, and his recent comments suggest he’s far from ready to walk away from the sport.
Errol Spence’s uncertain path: Can ‘The Truth’ rise again?
The road ahead isn’t an easy one. Moving up to 154 pounds means facing younger, fresher fighters. While a matchup against Tim Tszyu could be lucrative thanks to Australian pay-per-view interest, it’s unclear if Spence still has the tools to compete at the highest level. The Spence of 2012-2018 likely would have handled fighters like Fundora or Tszyu with ease. The Spence of today? That’s a different question.
Between his injuries, time away from the ring, and the wear and tear of his career, Spence faces an uphill battle. However, his earlier career was nothing short of extraordinary. From 2012 to 2018, he was a relentless force, taking out opponents with precision and power. That version of Spence seems like a distant memory, but it’s hard to count out a fighter with his pedigree.
For now, Spence is taking his time. The loss to Crawford may still sting, and a rushed return would do little to rebuild his career. Whether he’s aiming for one last big fight or a full resurgence, Spence seems determined to do it on his terms.
The boxing world will be watching, waiting to see if “The Truth” can rise again or if this chapter marks the beginning of the end for one of the sport’s most talented fighters.