Errol Spence Jr. announced his immediate retirement from boxing on Saturday, July 26, 2026, following his loss to Tim Tszyu. announced his immediate retirement from boxing on Saturday, July 26, 2026, following a unanimous decision loss to Tim Tszyu at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. This defeat, coming after a nearly three-year layoff, marked the end of a decorated career for the 36-year-old fighter.
Spence cited his health, family, and financial security as the primary reasons for stepping away from the sport.
Reflecting on Errol Spence Jr.’s career
Tszyu defeated Spence via unanimous decision after 12 rounds in their middleweight contest. The announcement, though perhaps a moment of reflection for many in the boxing world, wasn’t entirely unexpected. Spence had hinted at the possibility in the weeks leading up to the fight.
The judges delivered scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111, all decisively in favor of Tim Tszyu. Despite the loss, Errol Spence Jr. expressed pride in completing the distance, especially given his extended absence from the ring. “I’m feeling alright. I’m a little sore,” Spence told DAZN in a backstage interview after the fight.
“I don’t remember 12 rounds feeling like that, like, that was a long 12 rounds,” he added. “But I’m happy I finished the 12-round fight (after) being off for a three-year layoff. It was fun.” This sentiment underscored the physical toll the bout took and likely played a role in his ultimate decision.
A champion’s difficult decision
Spence retires with a professional record of 28 wins and 2 losses, including 22 knockouts. He was a unified welterweight world champion, widely regarded as one of the best and most successful fighters of his era. His comments following the fight highlighted his desire to leave the sport on his own terms.
“I’m going home with my family,” he stated firmly. “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.” Spence explained that he’s financially stable and can “ride off into the sunset.”
He emphasized that his family agreed it was time to “hang ’em up,” reinforcing a decision rooted in personal well-being. “You gotta know when to fold ’em,” Spence noted. His trainer also confirmed that Spence had made a pre-fight pact: if he lost, he would retire.
The former champion had been dropping hints about his future for months. In June 2026, Spence mused about his career being “a fight-by-fight basis,” and thinking about vacation spots rather than wanting to “give it all to boxing.”
Tim Tszyu’s defining victory in Australia
For Tim Tszyu, this unanimous decision win over a legend like Errol Spence Jr. represents the biggest victory of his career. It improves his record to 28 wins, 3 losses, and 18 knockouts. Tszyu entered the bout looking to make a statement against the veteran.
“I had sleepless nights, what am I gonna feel like facing a legend like that?” Tszyu reflected after his triumph. “Beating a great like Errol Spence tops any world title for me. The Tszyu legacy is continuing. I told you so.”
Preserving a family legacy
Tszyu’s victory not only elevated his standing but also preserved his family’s 31-year unbeaten record in Australia. This is a significant point of pride for the Tszyu family, deeply rooted in the nation’s boxing history. He also praised his new trainer, Jeff Fenech, for his role in the preparations.
The fight was contested in the middleweight division, with a weight limit of 160 pounds (72.6 kg). This represented a jump of two divisions for Spence, testing him in unfamiliar territory after his long layoff. Tszyu capitalized on his home-ground advantage, with the Afterpay Arena packed with an energetic Australian crowd.
The atmosphere at Sydney Olympic Park was electric as fans witnessed Tszyu deliver a performance that proved his mettle against an all-time great. This victory positions Tszyu as a major player in the middleweight landscape, eager to see top contenders pursue titles in his weight class.
The shadow of previous battles
Spence’s return to the ring after nearly three years was always going to be a monumental challenge. His last fight, a July 2023 loss to Terence Crawford, saw him lose his WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight belts. Before that crushing defeat, Spence had been undefeated in 28 professional bouts, first winning a world title in 2017 by stopping Kell Brook.
The cumulative effect of a long layoff and the move up two weight classes undoubtedly played a role in his performance against Tszyu. While Spence fought all 12 rounds, the ease he once demonstrated wasn’t as evident. It highlights the brutal reality that time and previous battles can catch up even with the most gifted athletes.
Tszyu had previously suffered three world-title defeats in America, twice to Sebastian Fundora and once to Bakhram Murtazaliev. He entered this fight rebranded as “the Phoenix,” indicating a renewed focus after those championship setbacks. His win here offers a powerful redemption arc.
What lies ahead for these fighters
For Errol Spence Jr., the future will involve a well-deserved break and a focus on his family. His financial security means he isn’t forced to continue fighting, a luxury many boxers don’t have. He leaves the sport with an enduring legacy, remembered as a dominant welterweight champion who always sought out the toughest challenges.
Tim Tszyu, on the other hand, solidifies his position as a formidable force in boxing. This victory over Spence is a springboard to bigger fights, allowing him to continue his championship aspirations. With an improved record and the confidence gained from beating a legend, Tszyu is now a prime contender whom other champions will certainly acknowledge.
The boxing world will reflect on the career of Errol Spence Jr., a fighter who consistently delivered thrilling performances. Meanwhile, the landscape of the middleweight division will be significantly shaped by Tszyu’s continued rise, and fans will be eager to see who he targets next as he pursues championship glory.
