The boxing world is abuzz with speculation about the potential return of Errol Spence Jr., the former unified welterweight champion. After a nearly three-year absence from the ring, the question on everyone's mind is whether 'The Truth' will fight again. The last time fans saw Spence in action was in July 2023, when he faced Terence Crawford in a highly anticipated undisputed welterweight title clash. What was expected to be a close contest turned into a one-sided affair, with Crawford stopping his great rival in the ninth round.
One factor often cited in Spence's defeat to Crawford was the toll of making 147lbs. The formidable Spence who had dominated his previous title defenses appeared a shadow of his former self. Now, there's a buzz in the air that Spence might be making a comeback at super-welterweight. Former two-weight world champion and Boxing Scene pundit Paulie Malignaggi revealed the news on January 13 while in Australia for the Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa bout.
Malignaggi said, 'One of the rumors here is Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence.' This speculation is further fueled by leading trainer Robert Garcia, who mentioned hearing whispers about a potential clash between his unbeaten 154lb star, Vergil Ortiz, and Spence. However, Garcia also explained why an Ortiz vs. Spence bout doesn't currently excite him. He said, 'He's been out for so long and he's had problems, accidents [so] it wouldn’t be that exciting for me right now. If he goes out and looks sensational and destroys Tszyu then, yes, it’ll make a lot of sense.'
For now, the boxing world can only speculate. If 'The Truth' does return, the jump to super-welterweight could offer a fresh start. But until then, every rumor will continue to dominate the conversation about one of the division's most talented, yet enigmatic, fighters.
