Errol Spence Jr Returns to Boxing Tonight Against Tim Tszyu After Three-Year Absence

Errol Spence Jr makes his long-awaited return to professional boxing tonight in Sydney, facing Australian challenger Tim Tszyu in a 12-round middleweight contest. The 36-year-old former unified welterweight champion has not fought in three years, with his last bout being a ninth-round knockout loss to Terence Crawford in a four-belt welterweight unification match. Spence has declared the bout against Tszyu could be his final professional fight, though he remains undecided about retirement regardless of tonight's outcome.

The Return and Its Uncertainties

Spence's three-year absence from competition has raised questions about his physical condition and competitive readiness. The fighter has been candid about his previous struggles, disclosing that he fought Crawford while dealing with fractured ribs and citing disagreements with his former trainer Derrick James over training camp preparation. Despite these setbacks, Spence signed with legendary trainer Ronnie Shields earlier this year, which he credits with improving his physical state and reigniting his desire to compete.

The comeback fight takes place at Afterpay Arena in Sydney at 9 p.m. ET and will air on PBC on Prime PPV and DAZN. Spence initially agreed to fight at 158 pounds but could not make that weight, leading to the bout being adjusted to 160 pounds—notably heavier than any regular professional bout in his 14-year career, which was primarily contested at 147 pounds.

Opponent Profile and Fight Context

Tim Tszyu, the 31-year-old son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, brings a record of 27 victories and 3 defeats to the ring. The Australian's recent activity includes two consecutive shutout victories over previously undefeated opponents, though both fights occurred in low-profile circumstances designed to rebuild momentum. Tszyu is considered past his prime as a top-10 contender at middleweight and light middleweight, having captured world titles earlier in his career but facing a declining trajectory in elite competition.

Spence's professional record stands at 28 wins and 1 loss with 22 knockouts. His Hall of Fame-caliber resume includes victories over notable opponents such as Kell Brook, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter, and Yordenis Ugas. However, the Crawford defeat and years of difficult weight cuts to the welterweight limit have left uncertainty about whether the fighter can regain former status at a heavier weight classification.