Spence overcomes adversity to stage impressive comeback
Back in 2019, IBF and WBC world welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr (27-0, 21 KO’s) suffered a potentially fatal car accident. At the time of the incident, Spence was widely regarded as the best fighter in the division. At the very least, he was clearly the man to beat to claim top dog status. So when news emerged that he had flipped his car numerous times and was thrown from the vehicle, it was easy to assume the worst.
Initially, the boxing public just wanted him to survive the ordeal and be able to resume a normal functioning life. Therefore, it came as true shock when it was announced that the Truth suffered no major injuries. When Spence revealed that he intended to fight again, many were happy but doubtful that he would be the same in-ring monster.
TESTED BY FIRE
The unified champion astonished the boxing world again by sticking with Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-3, 21 KO’s) as his first opponent back. Outside of those in his camp, essentially no one had seen what kind of combat condition he was in. The belief that he was surely impaired ran rampant. Nevertheless, once in the ring with Garcia, Spence pressed the action, threw far more punches and clearly beat Swift on points. Even more importantly, the Truth demonstrated that he could still absorb big blows without issue.
Despite insisting that he would be just fine throughout the build-up, Spence obviously harbored some apprehension himself. Well, perhaps by fight-time his confidence had been rebuilt. Although, like the rest of the world, in the weeks and months following his accident, even the champ himself questioned if he would be able to stage a comeback. This is what he stated himself in a recent Instagram post.
MADE FOR THE SILVER SCREEN
In the end though, overcoming his own mental doubt and physical pain is what made his return so personally impactful. Add to that, Spence staged the bout in his native Texas homeland in front of a live audience. Overall, the perseverance displayed in this situation is literally what Hollywood movies are made of.
Following the prizefight, the Truth admitted that he did have some rust to shake off. He also confessed to experiencing some mild stamina issues later in the bout. Aside from those relatively minor issues, Spence was ecstatic to be active again and looked forward to a summer return.
WHO’S NEXT?!
With his bout with Garcia in the books, any lingering discourse about him being a diminished fighter should completely subside. Thankfully, now we can just get back to seeing him lock horns with the best competition out there. Naturally, fans will continue to call for the Spence versus WBO world welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (37-0, 28 KO’s) showdown. Yet, that is still unlikely to be next.
Former world champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter (31-3-1, 17 KO’s) is in the mandatory spot for both Spence’s WBC and Crawford’s WBO straps. Although, Porter indicated, of those two bouts, he would rather face Crawford because he has already fought Spence. So, we will just have to wait and see what becomes of that fistic triangle.
One more major name that Spence is openly interested in is WBA super world welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KO’s). Up to this point, this bout has never had any practical motion, but maybe things have changed. With Spence’s inspirational story so fresh in the public’s mind, perhaps this would be the best time for a clash with the immensely popular Pacquiao. Both men compete under the PBC banner, so conflicting promotional company politics should not be an issue. And their styles would certainly make for an all-action affair.
For the time being though, we will just have to wait and see what Spence comes up with next.
By: Bakari Simpson
