Speculation Mounts on Spence's Super Welterweight Return

Errol Spence Jr., the former unified welterweight champion, is the subject of renewed speculation about a potential return to the ring after more than two years away from professional boxing. The 35-year-old fighter from Long Island, New York, has not competed since suffering his first career defeat to Terence Crawford in July 2023, a ninth-round stoppage in their undisputed title bout in Las Vegas. While Spence has not announced any retirement plans or a firm timeline for a comeback, discussions in boxing circles have intensified this week around possible matchups at super welterweight, the 154-pound division.

Spence's absence stems partly from the physical demands of cutting to welterweight for his previous fights. Observers have noted that he appeared diminished during the Crawford bout, which was originally viewed as a close matchup but unfolded as a one-sided performance by the victor. A move to super welterweight could alleviate those challenges, allowing Spence to compete at a more natural weight while facing credible opposition to rebuild his career.

The most prominent rumor involves a clash with Tim Tszyu, the former WBO super welterweight champion from Australia. On...