Errol Spence Jr. Crash Debate Reignites After Crawford Loss

Fans question whether Spence was ever the same after his 2019 car accident.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a boxing match between two fighters, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in dark grey, navy blue, and crimson red, conveying the intensity and strategic complexity of the bout.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes welterweight clash between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, capturing the intense action and strategic battle through a fragmented, geometric lens.Dallas Today

The debate over whether Errol Spence Jr.'s 2019 car crash affected his performance has resurfaced after his loss to Terence Crawford in 2023. While some credit Crawford's brilliance, others argue that signs of Spence's decline were evident in his comeback wins against Danny Garcia and Yordenis Ugas, suggesting the accident had a lasting impact.

Why it matters

Spence was once considered an elite welterweight, but his loss to Crawford has raised questions about the long-term effects of his severe car crash and whether he was ever truly back to his best form before that fateful night.

The details

Spence survived a violent rollover crash in October 2019 when his Ferrari flipped multiple times in Dallas, and he was ejected from the vehicle. He later returned to the ring and defeated Danny Garcia in 2020 and Yordenis Ugas in 2022, but some fans argue that his performances in those fights showed signs that he was no longer at his peak. Against Garcia, Spence absorbed more clean shots than expected, and he looked more hittable against Ugas, nearly being knocked out on his feet in the sixth round.

  • Errol Spence Jr. was involved in a severe car crash in October 2019 in Dallas, Texas.
  • Spence returned to the ring and defeated Danny Garcia in 2020.
  • Spence defeated Yordenis Ugas in a unification fight in 2022.
  • Spence lost to Terence Crawford in July 2023.

The players

Errol Spence Jr.

A former welterweight champion who was once considered an elite fighter, but his performance has been questioned since his 2019 car crash.

Terence Crawford

A current welterweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Danny Garcia

A former welterweight champion who Spence defeated in 2020 after his comeback from the car crash.

Yordenis Ugas

A welterweight fighter who Spence defeated in a unification fight in 2022, but some fans argue Spence looked more vulnerable in that fight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The debate over Errol Spence Jr.'s performance and the long-term effects of his 2019 car crash is likely to continue, with fans and analysts closely watching his future fights to see if he can regain his former dominance.

The takeaway

Errol Spence Jr.'s loss to Terence Crawford has reignited the debate over whether the 2019 car crash that nearly ended his career had a lasting impact on his performance, with some arguing that signs of his decline were evident in his comeback wins before the Crawford fight.