Let’s be honest – it wasn’t really a fight most of us were eager about. Watching an inactive and weathered Errol Spence Jr. trying to make a comeback through Sebastian Fundora was a sight better left unseen. But providence had other intentions. Attempts, mostly forced, to make the fight fizzled out. The inevitable happened, and Fundora is now off to a different challenge.

Lest the lifted burden ended up ruffling feathers, many heaved a big but hushed sigh of relief. But Xander Zayas is cut from a different cloth. He marches to the beat of his own drum. After fighting in the shadows, the 22-year-old Puerto Rican announced his arrival with the ninth-round knockout win over Slawa Spomer on the Keyshawn Davis–Denys Berinchyk card. The triumph may have pushed him to the coveted number one rank – a contender to Sebastian Fundora’s titles. He was sharing his thoughts on future prospects. But in doing so, Zayas inadvertently spilled the beans about Spence Jr. as well.

Errol Spence Jr.: A Shadow of His Former Self

Revealing what many have been fearing for some time now, Xander Zayas felt that Errol Spence Jr. is ‘not the same.’ The San Juan-born fighter was interacting with media following the stupendous win of Spomer. As he spoke about some of the potential fights in his sights, a reporter couldn’t help but prod, “Do you wish that Spence fought Fundora? Because I know Spence has a big marquee name, granted, if he did get the win.”

Without batting an eyelid, Xander Zayas replied, “No, I don’t. I didn’t. I didn’t wish that, um, because you know, Spence wasn’t. It’s not the same, Spence. It’s not the same Spence that we used to see before.” For him, it was rather all sunshine and rainbows that the Fundora-Spence Jr. didn’t turn up. Why? Because now he can directly stake a claim to Fundora’s title.

A few weeks ago, Rick Glaser did not beat around the bush either. Sharing his thoughts on a Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence Jr. suggestion, he made it clear that ‘Spence shouldn’t be boxing any longer.’ Primarily attributing it to the drubbing he received at the hands of Terence Crawford, Glaser believes, as many do, that Spence Jr. is ‘totally wrecked’ and completely shot now.’

A cloud of confusion hangs

But the boxing insider didn’t sugarcoat his feelings about Xander Zayas either. “Zander Zayas with his biggest win, nice stop perfectly timed by Ref Charlie Fitch. Zayas not yet ready for the top 154 pounders, needs more quality opponents before challenging the Big Dogs at Jr. Middleweight,” tweeted Glaser. Xander Zayas, are you listening?

Following the latest developments, though cryptic, on his part, Errol Spence Jr. hinted that he will be back when he’s ready. But didn’t he suggest a potential retirement as the reports of the Sebastian Fundora fight emerged last year? So a lot of confusion about Errol Spence Jr.’s future. Even if he’s planning on a comeback, it appears it may not happen anytime soon.

Not the way a former unified champion should bow out. But a long absence from the ring and his injuries made a fight a seemingly feeble prospect. The ups and downs further waned the enthusiasm.

What about you? Do you think Errol Spence Jr. should genuinely consider retirement?