Tim Tszyu has cranked up the mind games ahead of his July 26 showdown with Errol Spence Jr in Sydney, suggesting the American is staring down a career-ending night.
With just 25 days to go, Tszyu believes Spence’s long-awaited return from a near three-year layoff will end in brutal fashion – and be the final fight of his career.
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Spence is finally back after his 2023 defeat to Terence Crawford, stepping up to a new weight without a tune-up fight against what Roy Jones Jr this week described as a “highly dangerous” opponent.
Tszyu, though, reckons the comeback won’t last long.
“It’s the last hurrah for Errol Spence,” Tszyu told Ring Magazine.
“Get in and watch his last fight.”
“The Truth” has spoken about looking forward to the trip Down Under, even discussing holiday destinations and life beyond boxing.
Former world champion and commentator Sergio Mora believes that’s a red flag heading into a fight with Tszyu – and the Australian couldn’t agree more.
“If he’s already talking about holidays and retirement plans, then this is his last goodbye,” said Tszyu.
Tension between the pair has been simmering, with Spence sensationally refusing to shake Tszyu’s hand during a backroom encounter in Las Vegas in May.
Tszyu appeared caught off guard by the exchange, laughing it off before responding: “I see how it is… I see how it is.”
The Aussie says he’s now changed his opinion on the viral moment.
“Honestly, at the time I thought it was disrespectful,” he said.
“But looking back at it now… I’m the one who made the mistake. Why am I going up to him?
“I was just brought up in a different way. That’s how I was brought up… respect everyone.
“But no, f**k it we’re in a fight. No more handshakes. Maybe we will shake hands after the fight. Now it’s pure businessman.”
Errol Spence Jr. introduced to vegemite! | 00:46
Tszyu explained that he wants to take Spence right back to the nightmare of his last fight against Crawford where he was knocked down three times before the fight was stopped.
“I want him to come back to those memories and do it quicker than Crawford…
“The biggest thing for me is to test his heart. How bad does he want it?
“When you’ve been there and done that in the sport, it’s like ‘do I need to do this? Do I need to keep on going?’
“That’s what I want to test – when he starts talking to himself.”
If Spence is to prove Tszyu wrong, he’ll do so with the help of a bloke who knows better than most what it’s like to share the ring with the Aussie.
“The Big Fish” has enlisted ex-Tszyu opponent – and former world champ – Brian Mendoza as a sparring partner as he ramps up preparations.
Mendoza, who famously upset current champ Sebastian Fundora before losing to Tszyu in 2023, is one of a select group of fighters to have gone the full 12 rounds with the Sydneysider.
He also made the 13,000km-plus trip Down Under for the Gold Coast bout, giving him first-hand experience of facing Tszyu in front of an Aussie crowd.
It’s a smart move by trainer Ronnie Shields, with Mendoza able to give Spence a genuine read on the situation at hand.
Mendoza revealed his involvement in Spence’s camp earlier this week, after spending several weeks training in Texas.
“Got the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks down in Houston getting some world class work with Errol Spence,” he wrote.
“For those thinking he’s done or showing up for a check, just know he’s locked in.”