Errol Spence Jr. retires after unanimous decision loss to Tszyu

Former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. has retired from boxing following a unanimous decision loss to Tim Tszyu in Sydney on Saturday night.

Spence, who had not fought since his ninth-round stoppage defeat to Terence Crawford in July 2023, returned after three years out but struggled with ring rust throughout the 12-round contest. MMA Mania reports that Tszyu pressured Spence from the opening bell, landing heavy body shots and consistently backing up the former titleholder. While Spence found some success with his jab and movement, he looked tentative compared to the aggressive fighter who once held the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight straps.

Tszyu's volume and body work break down Spence

Tszyu controlled the pace with a high-volume attack, rocking Spence early and slowing him with punishing shots to the midsection. Rather than hunting a late knockout, Tszyu boxed smartly down the stretch and cruised to the cards, improving to 28-3.

After the decision was read, Spence told the crowd he was hanging up the gloves to spend time with his family. He finishes his career 28-2, with back-to-back losses ending a championship run that once saw him widely considered one of the sport's elite welterweights.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Highlights! Tszyu Retires Spence Jr. With Dominant Performance | MMA Mania