Former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. has urged Errol Spence Jr. to adjust his approach ahead of his showdown with a “highly dangerous” Tim Tszyu.
Spence is set to return to the ring in just over three weeks time, travelling to Australia to face Tszyu in one of the year’s most anticipated fights.
Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
It will also mark his first outing since his devastating stoppage defeat to Terence Crawford in 2023, with the former unified welterweight champion now stepping up in weight.
Spence is also training with new coach Ronnie Shields, after a messy split with long-time coach Derrick James.
‘The Truth’ has long been known for his pressure-based style, but Jones believes that approach may need to be modified against the Aussie.
Before dominating the pro ranks, Spence had an outstanding amateur career, winning three consecutive national championships and representing the US at the 2012 London Olympics.
Jones says he’d like to see Spence utilise more of those skills as a pro.
“Shout out to him [Spence] for taking a fight of this magnitude right away, after being out for three years,” Jones said on All The Smoke Fight.
“Tim has had some unfortunate situations as well, but shout out to Errol for saying ‘I don’t want no easy bag, I want a real fighter’.
“He’s taking on a guy who’s been active…. Not [always] had the best outcomes – but he’s been highly active and he’s highly dangerous.
“When [Spence] was an amateur fighter, he was an all-round boxer. People don’t know that because people didn’t see that in the pros.
“He just chose to use pressure in the pros, but to get where he wants to get, he’s got to go back to being that Errol of the amateurs. The Errol who did a little bit of everything.
“He was a hell of an amateur fighter who could do a lot of different things, but he just doesn’t choose to do it as a pro.”
Last week, Spence spoke about how much he is enjoying life in camp under new coach Shields, praising the “back to basics” approach.
“Camp has been great. I can’t complain at all,” said Spence.
“We’re putting in the work and leaving no stone unturned. I’m excited… Ronnie’s style fits me well.”
Shields has also been impressed with his new charge, telling reporters the version preparing for Sydney next month is better than ever.
“Everybody’s right who is saying he’s not going to be the same,” Shields told Fight Hub TV.
“He’s going to be better. So much better than he ever was.
“His body is well-rested. He feels really good. Everything is going great.
“Everybody thinking he don’t have anything left… Just wait.”
Meanwhile on the same card, Aussie star Liam Wilson has fired an early warning to Stephen Fulton ahead of their clash next month, insisting the former world champ is in for a “dog fight” when they throw down in Sydney.
Wilson, who is on a five-fight winning streak, is confident he can drag Fulton into a war.
“Im going to have to make it a fight,” he told The Punch Podcast.
“Hes a very crafty boxer and I don’t want to test that theory. But I know what I can do, come forward and make it a dog fight.
“I’m ready. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready for whatever he wants to bring, it’s nothing new for me.
“I feel like I’ve got more fight than anybody in the world and Fulton’s going to see that.”
“Cool Boy Steph”, who is coming off a loss to 130-pound champ O’Shaquie Foster in December, says he is anticipating a tough fight from the Aussie.
Errol Spence Jr. introduced to vegemite! | 00:46
“I expect Liam to be on his ‘A’ game and take this fight as an opportunity to get a shot at the title,” Fulton said in a Premier Boxing Champions news release.
“This fight is to show that I am nowhere near finished and to redeem myself after my last performance. I let my fans and peers down in my last fight, as well as myself. So this is me coming back out strong.”