Perhaps because Terris went into temporary retirement in 1926 for eight months, his chances at a second title shot began to slowly diminish. Taking up boxing again in 1927, he beat Billy Wallace, and followed with victories over Babe Herman, boxing great Ruby Goldstein, and Phil McGraw. For some reason, his managers were unable to again secure a Lightweight Title shot. At only 23 in early 1928, Terris was the victim of knockouts from the great Jimmy McLarnin, Ray Miller, and on January 28, 1929 from Babe Herman, speeding the end of his career. According to boxing writer Bert Sugar, even in his devastating first round loss to McLarnin on February 24, 1928 in Madison Square Garden, Terris was still getting in jabs and "boxing beautifully" shortly before being knocked to the canvas for the count.