Errol Spence Jr might step back into the boxing ring in 2025. The former world welterweight champion could challenge for the WBC world welterweight title after a two-year break from the sport.
Spence last fought in the summer of 2023 when he faced Terence 'Bud' Crawford. Crawford stopped him in the ninth round, taking Spence's WBC, WBA, and IBF world welterweight titles. Since then, the 35-year-old from Long Island, New York, has been out of action.
Now, talks are brewing about Spence's potential comeback. His opponent could be Mario Barrios, the current WBC welterweight champion. Barrios, 29, from San Antonio, Texas, got upgraded from 'Interim' champion to full champion in May 2024. His last fight, in November 2024, ended in a split decision draw against Abel Ramos.
Bob Santos, Mario Barrios' trainer, shared some insights with World Boxing News about the potential matchup:
"I mean everything's on the table, but they're [promoters Premier Boxing Champions] talking about Spence. They're talking about you know, maybe we'll see how this fight, Stanionis and Ennis, plays out. It could be an all-out unification [for three belts]. We'll see what happens [with Spence]."
While Spence vs Barrios seems to be the main talk, there's also chatter about other possibilities. Some have mentioned Manny Pacquiao as a potential opponent for Spence. But Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, hasn't fought since losing to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 and is currently retired.
As for Crawford, who beat Spence in their last fight, he's been demoted to 'Champion In Recess' by the WBC.
Spence's return to the ring would surely grab the attention of boxing fans worldwide. After two years away, many wonder if he can reclaim his former glory and once again become a world champion.
