In the modern era of professional boxing, few names command as much respect and attention as Errol Spence Jr. Known inside the ring as ‘The Truth’, Spence has established himself as a dominant force in the welterweight division. His journey is one of immense talent, technical brilliance, and extraordinary resilience. From his early days as a highly touted amateur to unifying major world titles, Spence’s biography reads like a cinematic script of triumph, tragedy, and redemption.
Early Life and Roots
Errol Spence Jr. was born on March 3, 1990, in Long Island, New York. However, his story is deeply rooted in DeSoto, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, where he moved with his family at a young age. Born to Errol Spence Sr. and Debra Spence, he is of Jamaican descent. His father played a pivotal role in his athletic development, initially guiding him toward boxing to channel his energy and discipline. Unlike many boxers who start as toddlers, Spence began his boxing journey at the age of 15, a relatively late start that makes his rapid ascent even more impressive.
Amateur Career and Olympian Status
Despite his late introduction to the sport, Spence’s natural aptitude for fighting was undeniable. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks, showcasing a polished southpaw style that baffled opponents. His amateur career culminated in a spot on the United States boxing team for the 2012 London Olympics. Competing in the welterweight division, Spence reached the quarter-finals. Although he did not medal, his performance solidified his status as one of the most promising prospects in American boxing, boasting an amateur record of roughly 135-12.
Turning Professional
Errol Spence Jr. made his professional debut in November 2012, shortly after the Olympics. Fighting at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, he knocked out Jonathan Garcia in the third round. This victory set the tone for his early career. Spence quickly gained a reputation for his punishing body attacks and technical precision. Under the guidance of premier boxing advisor Al Haymon, Spence moved steadily up the rankings, defeating veteran gatekeepers and contenders to earn his shot at a world title.
Capturing the IBF Title: The Kell Brook Fight
The pivotal moment in Spence’s career arrived in May 2017 when he traveled to Sheffield, England, to face the IBF Welterweight Champion, Kell Brook. Fighting in the champion’s backyard at Bramall Lane football stadium was a daunting task. However, Spence displayed maturity beyond his years. He broke Brook down systematically, fracturing the champion’s orbital bone and securing a stoppage victory in the 11th round. This win announced Spence’s arrival as an elite world champion.
Defending the Throne
Following the Brook victory, Spence defended his IBF title with dominant performances. He defeated Lamont Peterson via stoppage and made quick work of Carlos Ocampo with a first-round knockout. In March 2019, Spence faced the undefeated four-division champion Mikey Garcia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In a masterclass performance, Spence utilized his size, jab, and ring IQ to shut out Garcia over 12 rounds, winning every minute of the fight and silencing critics who claimed he relied solely on power.
Unification Battle with Shawn Porter
In September 2019, Spence engaged in a title unification bout against WBC champion Shawn Porter. The fight is widely regarded as one of the best welterweight battles of the decade. Porter’s rugged, aggressive style forced Spence to dig deep and fight on the inside. In a thrilling contest, Spence scored a crucial knockdown in the 11th round, which ultimately secured him a split-decision victory. With this win, Spence became the unified WBC and IBF Welterweight Champion.
The Ferrari Crash: A Brush with Death
Just weeks after the high of defeating Porter, tragedy struck. On October 10, 2019, Errol Spence Jr. was involved in a horrific single-car accident in Dallas. While driving his Ferrari at high speed, the vehicle flipped multiple times, ejecting Spence from the car. Miraculously, he survived with no broken bones, suffering only facial lacerations and dental damage. The accident threatened to end his career and his life, leaving the boxing world in shock and uncertainty regarding his future.
The Miracle Comeback
Doubters questioned whether Spence would ever be the same fighter after such a traumatic event. He answered those questions in December 2020, facing former two-division champion Danny Garcia. In his first fight back since the crash, Spence looked sharp and disciplined. He controlled the distance and outworked Garcia to win a unanimous decision, retaining his unified titles and proving that ‘The Truth’ was still the man to beat at 147 pounds.
Overcoming Injury and Ugas
Spence’s resilience was tested again when a planned fight with Manny Pacquiao was canceled due to a retinal detachment discovered during a pre-fight medical exam. Spence underwent eye surgery and spent months recovering. He returned in April 2022 to face WBA champion Yordenis Ugas. Despite the long layoff, Spence delivered a punishing performance, fracturing Ugas’s orbital bone and stopping him in the 10th round to add the WBA belt to his collection, becoming a three-belt unified champion.
The Undisputed Showdown: Spence vs. Crawford
For years, the boxing world clamored for a super-fight between Errol Spence Jr. and WBO champion Terence Crawford to determine the undisputed king of the division. The historic bout finally took place on July 29, 2023. In a shocking turn of events, Crawford dominated the fight, knocking Spence down multiple times before stopping him in the ninth round. It was the first defeat of Spence’s professional career, marking a significant turning point in his trajectory.
Boxing Style and Technique
Errol Spence Jr. is celebrated for his textbook fundamentals and relentless pressure. As a southpaw, he possesses a powerful piston-like jab that dictates the pace of the fight. His greatest asset, however, is his body punching. Spence is widely considered one of the best body punchers in the sport, often breaking opponents down physically and mentally by targeting the midsection. His high work rate and ability to cut off the ring make him a nightmare for opponents who rely on movement.
Life Outside the Ring
Outside of boxing, Spence is a devoted father to his children and maintains a strong connection to the Dallas community. He often speaks about the importance of family and the perspective he gained following his car accident. His survival and return to the top of the sport have made him an inspirational figure, symbolizing the ability to overcome insurmountable odds through faith and hard work.
Legacy and Future
Regardless of the outcome against Crawford, Errol Spence Jr.’s legacy is secure. He reigned as a unified champion in one of boxing’s deepest divisions and defeated elite competition including Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, and Mikey Garcia. As he looks toward the future, potentially moving up to the junior middleweight division (154 lbs), Spence remains a marquee attraction in the sport. His career serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, earning him his moniker, ‘The Truth’.
