Today, a famous parody X account by the username MichaelBensonn (@Bestboxingnews) sent shockwaves through the fight world with an announcement, claiming that former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. had retired at the age of 34 following another eye injury during training. The impersonator tweeted, “The former unified champ Errol Spence Jr. has sadly announced his retirement at the age of 34 years old after sustaining another injury to his eye in training. We wish Errol all the best.”

This was a continuation of a long line of sensational lies and attempted to serve as a major blow to Spence Jr.’s fans, who had eagerly awaited his return after the hiatus began in late 2023. They had followed his undefeated rise until his fight against Terence Crawford in July 2023. In that bout, ‘The Truth’s’ career came to a screeching halt when Crawford knocked him out in the ninth round. Crawford clinched the Texas resident’s WBA, IBF, and WBC titles in the process, becoming the first male to win the two-division undisputed champion status in the four-belt era.

With rumors of Spence Jr.’s injury already circulating, fans are understandably concerned about his health and future in boxing. However, after hours of silence, ‘The Truth’ took to his Instagram story to debunk the fake retirement rumors. He urged his fans not to believe everything they read online, writing, “If it’s not from me,” followed by a trash bin emoji, implying that anything not coming directly from him belongs in the “trash.”

For the unversed, the parody account is impersonating journalist Michael Benson. However, Benson had already sold his X account to the Saudi Royal His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, and has been rebranded as Ring Magazine on X.

Coming back to genuine updates, this isn’t the first time rumors of Errol Spence Jr.’s retirement have made headlines. Back in January 2024, similar rumors started circulating, but the Long Island-born boxer clarified that he had undergone cataract surgery and was on a temporary hiatus. He dismissed the retirement talk, stating, “You can kill the retirement sh-t though.” That said, this doesn’t rule out the possibility that the former unified welterweight champion may retire after his upcoming potential fight with Sebastian Fundora at 154.

About seven months ago, Errol Spence Jr. hinted at the possibility, posting on social media, “Might be the last time you see me.” ESPN reported that, originally scheduled for October 2024, they rescheduled the Fundora fight to early January 2025. As we enter the new year, ‘The Truth’ has been out of the ring for 16 months now, frustrating fans and rivals alike who have been eagerly awaiting his return. Recently, a former rival even offered some advice to Errol Spence Jr. Let’s scroll down to see what it is.

Shawn Porter’s advice to Errol Spence Jr.

No one could have predicted that a single defeat would plunge Errol Spence Jr. into such an uncertain and prolonged hiatus. Over a year after his TKO loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023, the former unified welterweight champion remains stuck in what could be described as a “pit“.

While Crawford has moved on to greater heights, such as his victory over Israil Madrimov at light middleweight, ‘The Truth’s’ path forward remains unclear. Recently, Spence Jr.’s former rival and two-time welterweight world champion Shawn Porter, who has experienced the former champ’s power firsthand, shared some advice for him in an interview with ProBox TV.

Porter emphasized the urgency of getting back into the ring, stating, “It’s kind of a now-or-never situation to me: Get back in the ring now or you’re flirting with never getting back in the ring… If I was to advise him, I’d say: Take the fight now. Compartmentalize as much as you can, allow your legal people to deal with issues, focus on Fundora, and make the best of that experience… He’s got to get back in the ring.”

What are your thoughts on Errol Spence Jr.’s future in boxing? Do you believe he’ll make a comeback on his own terms, or do you think he’ll retire without another fight? How do you view the rumors about his potential retirement? Share your opinion below.