Errol Spence Jr. says the long break from boxing may have saved more than just his career. After nearly three years out of the ring, the former unified welterweight champion says he has changed the habits that once followed him outside the sport ahead of his July 26 return against Tim Tszyu in Australia.
“A lot of the vices that I had in the past, I don’t drink anymore, so a lot of the stuff that was slowing me down, it’s not anymore,” Spence said to Main Event. “I’m more with my family. If I’m not with my family, I’m probably training somewhere or traveling, seeing the world.
“I feel rejuvenated. That long layoff I feel definitely helped me physically, definitely helped me mentally, and I’m ready to show everybody what I have left.”
The 36-year-old Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) has not fought since his stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. Questions followed him into the layoff. Some centered on the punishment he absorbed in that fight. Others went back further to the 2019 car crash that nearly killed him and the detached retina injury that sidelined him in 2021.
Spence is now preparing to return at a 158-pound catchweight against Tszyu, who is also trying to rebuild momentum after going 3-3 in his last six fights before putting together back-to-back wins.
“A lot of people probably doubt me,” Spence said. “That’s understandable. I haven’t fought in a long time. I had injuries and things happen outside the ring. But mentally and physically, I feel a lot better than people probably think.”
Spence’s comeback has been treated cautiously because of the inactivity and damage attached to the latter part of his career. Still, fighters usually do not walk away from drinking, nightlife, and years of bad habits unless something finally scares them straight.
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Last Updated on 2026/05/16 at 4:38 PM
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