Former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. has confirmed he recently held private training sessions with Errol Spence Jr. in Dallas, Texas. The legendary fighter traveled to work with the former unified welterweight champion to help him “get back on his horse and ride again” as he considers his next move in the ring. Roy Jones Jr. reported that Errol Spence Jr. “looked good — very good” during their time together, noting a visible “spark” and “glow” in the 36-year-old southpaw.
The sessions follow a period of relative inactivity for Errol Spence Jr., who has not fought since his ninth-round technical knockout defeat to Terence Crawford in July 2023. Roy Jones Jr. clarified that while he is not necessarily stepping in as a full-time trainer, he wants to help the Dallas native “get going” and assist him in making a “good, smart decision” about his professional future. He described working with the fighter known as “The Truth” as a “pleasure” and expressed a willingness to continue their collaboration.
Errol Spence Jr. is currently navigating a significant career transition after splitting from his long-time trainer Derrick James. The separation became public and contentious, with both men filing lawsuits against one another in April 2025. This coaching change adds another layer of complexity to a career that has been tested by external challenges, including a major car accident in 2019 and a detached retina that forced the cancellation of a high-profile bout with Manny Pacquiao in 2021.
Roy Jones Jr. evaluates Errol Spence Jr. path to return
Despite the emphatic nature of the loss to Terence Crawford at the T-Mobile Arena, Roy Jones Jr. maintains that Errol Spence Jr. still has “plenty to offer” the sport. He believes the primary hurdles facing the former champion are not related to his boxing skill set but are instead the lingering effects of his past accidents. To mitigate these risks, Roy Jones Jr. suggested that Errol Spence Jr. should pursue a “tuneup fight first” to ensure his physical faculties and reflexes are functioning correctly.
Roy Jones Jr. has previously been a vocal critic of the technical habits that defined Errol Spence Jr.’s rise to the top of the welterweight division. In July 2023, he observed that Spence’s reliance on pressure fighting might have “stymied his development” because he rarely had to make adjustments in previous wins. He noted that prior to the undisputed clash with Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. had never been dropped, making the experience of fighting while hurt entirely new for him.
The veteran mentor also pointed to Errol Spence Jr.’s recent appearance at the Vergil Ortiz-Erickson Lubin event as a sign of his lingering competitive fire. Roy Jones Jr. remarked that Errol Spence Jr. “lit up and loved the fan support” at the fight, which suggests he still “wants to be in the element again.” This connection with the public may play a role in whether he pursues a genuine title run at super welterweight or opts for a “farewell fight” to conclude his career.
Strategic decisions for the former unified champion
The super welterweight division, or 154-pound class, is widely considered the most likely landing spot for Errol Spence Jr. if he returns to active competition. This weight class currently features some of the most dangerous boxers in 2026, offering a range of high-level opponents. Roy Jones Jr. emphasized that the goal is not just to return, but to do so in a way that prioritizes health and strategic matchmaking following Errol Spence Jr.’s recent cataract surgery.
Errol Spence Jr.’s resume remains one of the strongest in the modern era, highlighted by his 2017 victory over Kell Brook in Sheffield and his 2019 unification win against Shawn Porter. However, his future will be dictated by how he responds to the first professional loss of his career and his ability to form a new cohesive training environment after the Derrick James split. Whether Roy Jones Jr. takes a permanent role or remains an advisor, his recent assessment provides a roadmap for “The Truth” to reclaim his status in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roy Jones Jr. now the full-time trainer for Errol Spence Jr.?
No, Roy Jones Jr. clarified that he does not have to be the full-time trainer for Errol Spence Jr. He stated his goal is to help the fighter “get going” and provide guidance so he can make a “good, smart decision” about how to proceed with his career after his split from Derrick James.
What was the outcome of the fight between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford?
On July 29, 2023, Terence Crawford defeated Errol Spence Jr. via a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada. The victory made Terence Crawford the first male undisputed champion in two weight classes during the four-belt era, with referee Harvey Dock stopping the fight at 2:32 of the ninth round.
Which injuries have impacted the career of Errol Spence Jr.?
Errol Spence Jr. survived a career-threatening single-vehicle car accident in October 2019. He later suffered a retinal detachment in his left eye in August 2021 and underwent cataract surgery on his right eye following his 2023 loss to Terence Crawford. These health challenges have contributed to his periods of inactivity between major fights.
