Errol Spence Jr. has revealed that he entered his 2023 fight with Terence Crawford believing he might not survive, viewing the career-high payday as financial security for his family if he never returned home.
Crawford handed Spence the only defeat of his professional career, dominating and stopping him in the ninth round of their undisputed welterweight title fight.
Speaking to Andre Ward, Spence admitted his mindset had become extremely dark before the opening bell. “I knew that this maximum payout was going to take care of my family, even if I’m not here,” he said.
Spence also said he did not know whether he would ever box again, but still refused to withdraw from the biggest fight of his career. Despite everything surrounding the bout, he declined to make excuses for the defeat or diminish Crawford’s performance.
Nearly three years later, Spence is preparing to return against Tim Tszyu in Australia after enduring two serious car crashes, eye problems, prolonged inactivity and the most damaging loss of his career.
Learn more about this event here!
Image Credit: ESPN