Errol Spence announces retirement after loss to Tim Tszyu in Sydney

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Errol Spence Jr of The United States reacts following defeat during the Middleweight bout between Errol Spence Jr and Tim Tszyuat Afterpay Arena on July 26, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) | Getty Images Errol Spence Jr announced his retirement in-ring last night in Australia, following a 12-round loss to Tim Tszyu. It was Spence’s first fight in three years, and he admitted afterward that it was hard for him to get through, but he was proud of making the distance one last time. “I’m feeling alright. I’m a little sore,” Spence said in a backstage interview with DAZN. “I don’t remember 12 rounds feeling like that, like, that was a long 12 rounds. But I’m happy I finished the 12-round fight (after) being off for a three-year layoff. It was fun.” The 36-year-old Spence retires with a pro record of 28-2 (22 KO), having been a unified welterweight world champion and one of the best and most successful fighters of his era. He has stressed that he wants to leave now, before his mental faculties deteriorate, and that he’s in a good spot financially. “I’m going home with my family,” he said. “I don’t want to be like one of these other boxers that don’t have any more faculties, just fighting just to make money and things like that. I’m OK financially and I’m fine, I can ride off into the sunset. “It makes me feel good that I have this support, everybody’s come to support me. My family told me that it’s time to hang ‘em up. I’m glad we both agree on that. It’s time to hang ‘em up.”

Errol Spence Jr. is saying goodbye to boxing for a second time.

Former world champion Spence hung up his gloves following defeat in his first fight since losing to Terence Crawford three years ago

Former welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr will retire from boxing after losing his comeback fight to Tim Tszyu in Sydney.

Former welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr will retire from boxing after losing his comeback fight to Tim Tszyu in Sydney.

Errol Spence Jr.'s highly anticipated return to boxing lasted just one fight, with the future Hall of Famer losing to Tim Tszyu by unanimous decision at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia, and then announcing he would retire from the sport a second time.

Errol Spence Jr. made his return to the boxing ring last night (Sat., July 25, 2026) after a three-year absence to square off against Tim Tszyu in a 12-round fight in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The last time we saw Spence Jr., he was suffering his first and only defeat up to this point […]

Errol Spence Jr. announced his retirement in the ring after Tim Tszyu won a unanimous decision in Sydney. Here is what Spence said and what comes next for Tszyu.

Tim Tsyzu cut Errol Spence’s comeback short, and sent Spence into retirement

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Errol Spence Jr (L) and Tim Tszyu (R) face off ahead of the bout between Errol Spence Jr and Tim Tszyu at ICC Sydney on July 25, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) | Getty Images Tim Tszyu revitalized the commercial side of his career with a win tonight in Sydney, Australia, against the returning Errol Spence Jr. Spence, a former welterweight titleholder and regular in various pound-for-pound top 10s for several years, just didn’t have it anymore, following a three-year layoff and a two-division jump in weight. The 36-year-old Spence (28-2, 22 KO) was brave and tough but just slower than he used to be, couldn’t generate the same power he used to, and wasn’t able to find consistent results. As the bout wore on, he obviously had issues with his stamina, which just made it all worse. Tszyu (28-3, 18 KO) really didn’t bring a ton of pressure or anything, and was able to simply out-point Spence over 12 rounds. Spence vs Tszyu official score cards Judges scored the bout 117-111, 117-111, and 118-110 for Tszyu. There was no “home cooking” here; these were fair scores. Myself and Wil Esco unofficially scored the bout 117-111 and 117-111 for Tszyu, as well. While it wasn’t immediately “scary” or a sustained, bad beating or anything — at least not by pro boxing standards — it was also not the sort of fight where you could imagine suggesting that Spence continue boxing. “160 is my new division and I feel strong,” Tszyu said after the fight. “There were times I had sleepless nights thinking, ‘Man, am I (out of) my depth? What am I going to feel like facing a legend like that?’ But it was one hell of a show and I understand why he’s one of the greats.” Tszyu said he’s hoping to fight for another world title, now as a middleweight, and said that “beating a great one like Errol Spence tops any world title for me.” Errol Spence Jr announces retirement after loss “It was a great fight. Congratulations to Tim and (trainer) Jeff Fenech,” Spence said. “It was a good showing by Tim. I answered a lot of questions about myself, and now it’s time to go home with my family and start a new life.” Asked to clarify if that meant he was retiring, Spence replied, “Yeah, for sure. I’ve got my faculties intact. My money is good and working for itself, so everything’s good, man. I’ve got a beautiful family and I thank God that I’m able to leave this sport with my faculties intact and my family by my side. Everything’s going to go well.”