Unlike many fighters, Spence says he has managed his earnings carefully enough that he no longer depends on boxing to maintain his lifestyle.
“I never touched the principal. I’m just living off the interest and enjoying life while I do it. That’s the biggest comfort you can have as a man,” Spence told Andre Ward.
The 36-year-old Spence said that the peace of mind created by those decisions has been one of the greatest rewards of his success in the ring.
Spence’s comments are particularly notable given the number of high-profile fighters who have encountered financial difficulties after retirement. Rather than increasing his spending as his earnings grew, the former three-belt welterweight champion says he focused on preserving the wealth he had accumulated.
The interview also revisited a key decision early in Spence’s professional career. According to the episode’s description, Spence chose to sign with adviser Al Haymon despite receiving a $250,000 signing bonus offer from another promoter, following advice from his father.
Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) is preparing for his long-awaited return to the ring after more than two years away from competition. The Texas native last fought in July 2023, when he suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Terence Crawford in their undisputed welterweight title clash.
He is now scheduled to face Tim Tszyu in a 158-pound catchweight bout on July 26 in Australia.
The comeback for Spence is not being driven by financial necessity. He has chosen to step back into the ring on his own terms.
If his latest comments are any indication, he has already secured the kind of stability many fighters spend their careers chasing.
