Errol Spence Jr ‘cashed out on injuries’ in one-sided PPV loss

Errol Spence Jr. has not made any progress towards a return in the early stages of 2025 despite ongoing rumors of a comeback for a world title fight.

After his loss to Terence Crawford in the summer of 2023, Spence faced doubts about the seriousness of an eye injury following a devastating defeat on Pay Per View. Questions arose about Spence’s ability to compete in a rematch after his loss to “The Truth.”

The anticipated rematch never happened as Spence appeared completely off his game, which some attribute to two serious car accidents in the years prior. With various injuries, including a detached retina in 2019, Spence had only fought twice in four years.

Following his defeat by Crawford in Las Vegas, where Spence struggled to put up a fight, concerns about his previous injuries were brought into question. Some speculate on social media that Spence strategically fought Crawford before his eye condition worsened.

Debating Errol Spence’s Eye Injury

Spence’s eye injury remains a significant concern, as at times it appeared he couldn’t anticipate Crawford’s punches. There were instances where Crawford specifically targeted Spence’s eye, raising doubts about Spence’s long-term vision.

While giving credit to Crawford’s victory, some felt that Crawford was facing a weaker opponent compared to the undefeated welterweight champion with three belts.

During a discussion with Brian Custer in 2021, Spence mentioned that continuing his boxing career was fortunate given his injury.

Spence admitted, “I didn’t know I had a retina tear. But I do remember when it happened. When the guy hit me, I felt like little I heard a little pop. Then I went to the corner like man, my eye or whatever, they looked at my eye. Then I actually came back out there and sparred like four or five more rounds. Two days later, I had sparred again.”

Post-fight, there have been indications that Spence may not have full vision in the eye.

Signs of Trouble

Spence revealed, “I mean, I see a little something. But it ain’t nothing too crazy like it’s not disrupting my vision or whatever.”

Regarding the doctor’s diagnosis, Spence explained, “I got some good news. I got some bad news. The bad news is that there’s no way you can fight. Then, the good news is that it’s partially detached, so they can put it back on. But you know there’s no way you can fight.”

Spence returned to the ring after missing out on a match with Manny Pacquiao, defeating Yordenis Ugas via stoppage without much scrutiny. However, his defeat to Crawford has raised suspicions about the severity of Spence’s injury.

A potential fight with WBC super welterweight Sebastian Fundora may not help Spence’s case, appearing to be another cashout fight before retiring.

Regardless of the outcome against Fundora, Spence will have to show convincing proof that he has fully recovered since the accidents.

Subscribe to the WBN Newsletter for the latest news delivered to your email daily. Stay up-to-date with all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.