Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr has been offered a route back to world title contention as he reportedly considers a return to the ring.
The 35-year-old from Long Island has been out of action since he was handed the first defeat of his professional career to pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford in July 2023, falling short in his attempt at capturing the undisputed welterweight championship.
‘The Truth’ is now said to be edging closer to making his highly anticipated return to the ring, with reports suggesting that he could make a comeback in the super-welterweight division during the first quarter of 2026.
One man that has been linked with a potential clash with Spence is unbeaten knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr, who currently holds the WBC interim title at 154lbs.
Speaking to Fight Hype just moments after his victory over Erickson Lubin this weekend, Ortiz revealed that he would prefer to face Spence in a ‘dream fight’ when he returns to the ring next year, despite being linked with a bout against Jaron Ennis.
“It doesn’t matter who’s next. If I had to pick, I’m gonna be honest, it would be Spence because that’s my dream fight. I’ve been calling it. At the Cowboys Stadium. I just think that’s my dream fight. I don’t care what anyone says about it.”
Ortiz extended his unbeaten professional record to 24-0 on Saturday night when he stopped Lubin in the 2nd round of their clash at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, making the second successful defence of his WBC interim super-welterweight title in the process. The finish – a blistering attack that saw the referee forced to step in and stop Lubin on his feet – is exactly the performance Ortiz needed to elevate himself and pulling power.
After the result was made official, ‘Boots’ Ennis stepped through the ropes to build their fight, however it may not happen if Ortiz’s team can get Spence interested.
