As soon as Errol Spence officially announced his retirement from professional boxing, the first discussions began regarding the possibility of his future induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Experts, analysts, insiders and fans appear to be divided on the matter, and Andre Ward has recently shared his own opinion.
Errol Spence ended his career with a record of 28 wins (22 by knockout) and 2 losses: the first suffered three years ago at the hands of Terence Crawford, and the second coming less than a week ago, when the American travelled to Australia to face local hero Tim Tszyu in the unfamiliar middleweight division.
Those in favour of his induction point out that, before the three-year layoff, Spence had been defeated only by one of the greatest fighters of all time, following an impressive run of success that included six title defences and the unification of three world belts. Great importance is also placed on Spence’s ability to recover from a devastating car accident and return to winning ways.
Those against his inclusion argue that “The Truth’s” résumé lacks enough elite names to warrant Hall of Fame recognition. Some believe Spence’s first world title victory was helped by the physical condition of Kell Brook, who had suffered significant damage in his previous defeat against Gennady Golovkin. The manner of Spence’s loss to Crawford, in which he was completely outclassed and took a severe beating, is also a source of scepticism.
There are also those who take a middle-ground position, pointing out that the Hall of Fame already includes fighters with less impressive résumés than Spence, such as Arturo Gatti and Vinny Pazienza, while at the same time some fighters who arguably deserve the honour far more have yet to be inducted, including Italian great Sumbu Kalambay.
As mentioned, Andre Ward, the former super middleweight and light heavyweight world champion, recently joined the list of former fighters who have expressed their views on the subject. Speaking to The Ring, Ward said:
“Yes. I believe he should be a Hall of Famer. He had a great career. He’s one of the last of a dying breed that will get down with anybody. He’s taken more risks post-car wreck than some guys have in their whole careers.
I respect him deeply. He did everything that he has to do. And now he can ride off into the sunset.”