With all that’s happening in boxing – epic and historical matchups – some hitherto inconceivable, turning up – there remains deep inside a lingering pain. If only some of the names we knew so well joined the revelry. Though the list is long, one in particular juts over the rest. For the former unified champion, Errol Spence Jr., it’s been a sorry and sad state of affairs.
There were problems, but the devastating loss to Terence Crawford perhaps exacerbated an agonizing downfall. Spence Jr. found it hard to make a comeback. Eye surgery, failure to make a single matchup during a layoff now entering its second year, and the retirement rumors perpetuated an expected narrative. On his part, the Texas resident has remained noncommittal. But a fresh disclosure might hint at how deep the problems had been at his end. The raw confession nevertheless struck a chord, forcing Gervonta Davis, with whom Spence Jr. had a fiery confrontation last year, to drop a line.
A heartfelt expression of comfort
“I felt this…” wrote the Baltimorean. He hoped that Errol Spence Jr. and his family were doing well. The warmhearted gesture from a reigning champion, otherwise known for his killer attitude in the ring and the best of trash talk outside, followed a sorrow-laden acknowledgment from Spence Jr.
Worse thing I did to MYSELF was drinking if you an athlete focus on the end goal. Hopefully it’s a better situation for you and your love ones.
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) March 1, 2025
“The worst thing I did to MYSELF was drinking. If you’re an athlete, focus on the end goal,” he wrote, adding further, “Hopefully it’s a better situation for you and your loved ones.” Now to many, that’s a stirring revelation. That there was a string of problems plaguing the ‘Big Fish’ is pretty well known.
But insobriety? Even the most hardcore supporters would put it dead last. After months of inactivity, hopes resurged when reports of a matchup with 140-pound titleholder Sebastian Fundora followed. But perhaps fate had slipped from Spence Jr.’s grasp. The talks for the fight ebbed and flowed. Earlier this year, just when it felt that the fight was in the bag, reports emerged that it will no longer happen.
The cryptic messages from Spence Jr. made the situation further confusing. Last year, as the discussions around the Fundora matchup emerged, he mentioned that it might be the last time fans would see him in the ring. Then later this year, he mentioned that he will be back when he’s ‘ready.’
The uncertainties only added to a sad realization that perhaps Errol Spence Jr. may return to the ring.
When a Gervonta Davis vs. Errol Spence Jr. happened…almost
What’s interesting to note is that Gervonta Davis’ reach-out follows the heated words he exchanged with Errol Spence Jr. Back in June last year, when he fought Frank Martin for the first title defense, Spence Jr. marked his presence at the presser as Martin’s promoter. During the talks when Davis interrupted him, Spence Jr. famously shot back, “Who have you backed it up with? You back it up with who? You don’t fight anybody, bro. You’re here for a check.”
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 07: Gervonta Davis looks on before fighting Hector Luis Garcia in their WBA World Lightweight Championship bout at Capital One Arena on January 7, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
It’s heartening to see a titleholder, one of boxing’s biggest draws, reaching out to a former champion, a future Hall of Famer, who might need a hand.
Given what Errol Spence Jr. said, do you foresee a comeback for him in the near future?
The post Gervonta Davis Feels the Pain as Errol Spence Jr. Makes a Sad Admission Amid Retirement Rumors appeared first on EssentiallySports.
