Is Spence Coming Back?

Errol Spence Jr.’s future is still unknown, having not fought since 2023. 

He suffered a stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in his last fight, missing out on becoming the Undisputed Welterweight Champion. It was the first loss of his career, as he later underwent cataract surgery on his eye. Since then, Bud has moved up to junior middleweight with an eye on a Canelo Alvarez fight at 168.

Meanwhile, Spence has shown no sign of a comeback. Fights with Keith Thurman or Tim Tszyu would be strong options, while a Sebastian Fundora fight has also been mentioned. Before the Crawford fight, Spence said he was ready to move up. However, his split from his long-term trainer, Derrick James, has left doubts over his return. 

Spence’s Aim

“I sat out for a year and a half trying to make this fight happen with Crawford to get the other strap. After that, I’ll have paid my obligations to the welterweight division. It’ll be time to move up. It’ll be strap season all over again,” Spence said 

The problem Spence faces is taking long-term damage. He was dropped three times in the Crawford fight, taking a sustained amount of punishment before the referee had to stop the fight. There were also suggestions that Spence struggled to make the welterweight limit, as he has consistently been linked with a return at 154 pounds. However, taking a fight 154 pounds in his first fight since the Crawford loss is a risk.

Fans would not automatically accept a fight against a journeyman when Spence was considered one of the best fighters in the sport before the Crawford loss. He also has to consider whether he wants to continue fighting, given he reportedly earned $25 million for the Crawford bout. Spence has already secured his financial future from the sport, meaning he does not need to fight for money.

Spence’s Future

He has also shown an interest in the promotional side of the game. He has signed Frank Martin to his management company. Spence was even on hand to promote Martin for his fight against Gervonta Davis. While Tank stopped Martin, Spence got to see a different side of the sport as he hinted that could be his future moving forward. 

“I like the promoter side. I feel like it might be my calling a little bit, being a promoter and looking at the young guys coming up and helping them get to the top of their level, because that’s where we at right now. He [Martin]’s at the top right now, and once he’s at the top, you’re the man.

“A lot of people take it lightly just because I came back and fought and all that but that’s serious stuff. It’s not too many people that go high speed in a Ferrari and get thrown from a Ferrari, land on solid concrete and still be here to talk today, still survive, still be coherent and everything.  That was traumatic and a brutal experience that I went through…I’ve [always] been rating him (Crawford) high, I’ve rated him super high. It definitely wasn’t my night, but you know I definitely want to get that back,” Spence stated