Former world champion Errol Spence Jr announces retirement after defeat to Tim Tszyu

SYDNEY: Former welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr has announced his retirement from professional boxing after suffering a unanimous points defeat to Australia's Tim Tszyu in his comeback bout on Saturday.

The 36-year-old American, who previously held the WBA, WBC and IBF welterweight titles, was unable to rediscover the form that saw him compile an unbeaten record of 28 fights before his defeat to Terence Crawford three years ago.

Returning to the ring for the first time since that loss, Spence struggled to match Tszyu's pace and aggression throughout the contest.

The Australian controlled much of the fight, landing the cleaner punches and applying sustained pressure before earning a unanimous decision with scorecards of 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111.

Following the bout, Spence confirmed that he had reached the end of his boxing career.

"I think yeah, for sure," Spence said when asked if this was the end of the road for his career.

"I've got my faculties intact. My money is good at working for itself. Everything's good, man.

"I've got a beautiful family, and I thank God I'm gracious to leave this sport with my faculties intact and my family still by my side."

Tszyu praised his experienced opponent after securing one of the biggest victories of his career and said he is now targeting a world title opportunity.

Spence captured his first world title in 2017 by defeating Britain's Kell Brook at Bramall Lane, beginning a successful reign that established him among the sport's leading welterweights before bringing the curtain down on an accomplished career.