Errol Spence Jr announced his retirement in-ring last night in Australia, following a 12-round loss to Tim Tszyu.
It was Spence’s first fight in three years, and he admitted afterward that it was hard for him to get through, but he was proud of making the distance one last time.
“I’m feeling alright. I’m a little sore,” Spence said in a backstage interview with DAZN.
“I don’t remember 12 rounds feeling like that, like, that was a long 12 rounds. But I’m happy I finished the 12-round fight (after) being
off for a three-year layoff. It was fun.”
The 36-year-old Spence retires with a pro record of 28-2 (22 KO), having been a unified welterweight world champion and one of the best and most successful fighters of his era. He has stressed that he wants to leave now, before his mental faculties deteriorate, and that he’s in a good spot financially.
“I’m going home with my family,” he said. “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. I’m OK financially and I’m fine, I can ride off into the sunset.
“It makes me feel good that I have this support, everybody’s come to support me. My family told me that it’s time to hang ‘em up. I’m glad we both agree on that. It’s time to hang ‘em up.”
