Errol Spence Jr., TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the boxer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 21/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Spence Jr. for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 36-year-old boxer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Spence Jr. so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the boxer have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘DeSoto Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in DeSoto (Errol Spence Jr.'s hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the boxer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Errol Spence Jr. Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 20 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Errol has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 20 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Errol Spence Jr.?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 20 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Errol Spence Jr.?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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