Boxing World Abuzz Over Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence Jr. - But Doubts Linger
The highly anticipated boxing showdown between Australian sensation Tim Tszyu and former unified welterweight king Errol Spence Jr. is generating significant buzz, but not all eyes are on a clear victory for either fighter. Veteran former world champion Sergio Mora has voiced stark warnings, labelling several factors as 'red flags' ahead of what promises to be a brutal encounter.
Mora's Blunt Assessment: 'I Do Not Like This Fight'
With the bout expected to take place later this year, though no official date or venue has been confirmed, the boxing community is dissecting every angle. For Errol Spence Jr., the fight marks a critical return after his devastating loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, where he was stopped and dropped multiple times. His career has been marred by injuries and off-ring incidents, leading many to question his current capabilities.
“It’s going to be ugly,” Mora stated bluntly on a recent podcast appearance, expressing his unease about Spence’s return. “Now that I know that Derrick James is not in his corner – the main voice that he’s trusted… I hope that’s not the case, because that’s three red flags, three strikes and you’re out.”
Mora elaborated on these concerns, pointing to Spence’s significant ring inactivity, the physical toll of his last outing, and the absence of his long-time, trusted trainer, Derrick James. “Errol Spence – the inactivity, the physical toll that the last fight took on his body, the fact that the voice of comfort is not in his corner. I don’t like this fight,” he declared.
Tszyu's Path to the Top: Resilience and New Beginnings
Meanwhile, Tim Tszyu, the son of boxing legend Kostya Tszyu, has also navigated a challenging period in his career. After an impressive undefeated start, he has faced tougher competition and experienced setbacks. However, Tszyu has demonstrated remarkable resilience, most recently bouncing back from a loss to Sebastian Fundora with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Anthony Velazquez in December.
Crucially, Tszyu has also made a significant change in his corner, now training in Miami, Florida, under the guidance of renowned coach Pedro Diaz. This move signals a renewed focus and a strategic shift as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.
A Clash of Styles and Fighter Mentalities
Mora highlighted the contrasting styles of the two fighters, describing both as “front-foot offensive fighters. High-guard fighters on the front-foot looking for volume.” However, he believes Tszyu possesses a distinct advantage in power and durability.
“Tim Tszyu is a harder puncher. I think Tim Tszyu is a harder single puncher and I think he takes a better punch – even at this stage,” Mora asserted. This assessment suggests that Tszyu’s aggressive style and physical toughness could pose a significant threat to a potentially compromised Spence.
Spence's Decision to Skip Tune-Ups: Overconfidence or Caution?
A key point of contention for Mora is Spence’s apparent decision not to take a warm-up fight before facing Tszyu. This contrasts with Tszyu, who is reportedly slated for a tune-up bout in late March on the same card as Liam Paro’s IBF world title challenge.
Mora interprets Spence’s approach as a potential sign of either overconfidence or a deeper concern about his current form. “That could be two things,” Mora explained. “Overconfidence on Errol Spence’s side or basically being chinny – knowing that he could probably lose to a lower calibre fighter. And I’m leaning towards the latter on this one. I think he doesn’t want to risk embarrassment. He doesn’t want to risk looking bad and blowing that payday.”
However, former opponent Chris Algieri offered a different perspective, suggesting that skipping tune-up fights is simply part of Spence’s established fighter mentality. “That’s just the way he is,” Algieri told Boxing Today. “He’s Mr I-Don’t-Take-Tune-Ups. There’s a reason for that. It’s a mentality. That’s who he is as a fighter and as a businessman.”
The Stakes for Both Fighters
While Algieri acknowledges that Spence might be in the “twilight of his career,” he holds a high regard for Tim Tszyu’s dedication and work ethic. “Tim Tszyu’s the kind of guy who is very disciplined, hard working. Seems like the kind of guy who lives in the gym. He’s not looking to cash-out. He’s looking to make a real run with a win here and keep progressing… I love this fight -- I really do. I liked it before both guys lost and I like it even better now.”
The upcoming clash between Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence Jr. is shaping up to be a compelling narrative of resurgence versus redemption. While experts like Sergio Mora are raising serious doubts about Spence’s readiness, the sheer talent and ambition of both fighters promise an unmissable spectacle. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if Spence can recapture his former glory or if Tszyu will seize this opportunity to solidify his claim as one of the sport's elite.