Errol Spence Jr has been out of the ring since a bruising stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, however reports, rumours and some training footage suggest he may soon return.
The formed unified welterweight world champion was a pound-for-pound star before being beaten soundly by ‘Bud’ Crawford and stepping away from the sport. Serious injuries prior to that fight paired with the nature of the loss left many feeling retirement was around the corner, however he is yet to make an official announcement on that and the signs point more towards a ring return.
The super-welterweight division awaits if so, given the 35-year-old had already revealed struggles making the 147lbs welterweight limit prior to facing Crawford for the undisputed championship. The 154lbs scene is currently stacked with talent, with the introduction of Jaron Ennis and the likes of Vergil Ortiz Jr knocking on the door for a world title shot.
Which contenders or champions would Spence consider for a comeback? His team will look at drawing power, ranking and skill-level when choosing carefully. Here are some potential options…
Errol Spence Jr vs Sebastian Fundora
Sebastian Fundora currently holds the WBC Super Welterweight World Title and had previously been in talks to welcome Spence back to the ring before those plans fell through. Known as ‘The Towering Inferno,’ the 6 ft 51⁄2 in titlist is becoming a bigger name and dangles the carrot – albeit from an extreme height – of a belt in a second division. However, Fundora first has plans to face Keith Thurman.
Errol Spence Jr vs Keith Thurman
Should Thurman – who himself had a long period of inactivity before returning this year to defeat Brock Jarvis in Sydney, Australia – beat Fundora against the odds, he may look to reignite this past rivalry that was never settled inside the ropes. Though unranked by the WBC and therefore not properly in line to face the winner of Fundora-Thurman, the sanctioning body has made similar allowances in the past and has a strong relationship with Spence.
Errol Spence Jr vs Jermell Charlo
Reported by the Ring Magazine as in early talks, Spence could bring Jermell Charlo back to the ring after his 2023 loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The former undisputed champion is looking to drop back down to his old division, and a Spence bout may be the most high profile he can land.
Errol Spence Jr vs Vergil Ortiz Jr
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has consistently talked up his charge Ortiz taking this fight in Texas. The fighter himself is less keen, however, most recently saying that Errol should instead consider retirement.
Errol Spence Jr vs Tim Tszyu
If ‘The Truth’ is looking to make a serious run at another world title in the proper manner, with a lower profile return to see what’s left in the tank, Tszyu may be a strong option. With good name recognition, Tsyzu fights in an all-action style and has confirmed he will continue to compete despite three losses in his last four – two to Fundora and one to Bakhram Murtazaliev with a win against Joseph Spencer in between.
