Former welterweight champion Errol Spence and his upcoming opponent Tim Tszyu officially held their opening press conference for their fight and both shared their thoughts on the matchup as Spence attempts to return to the ring after three years out of action. Here’s some of what both had to say with the full presser in the video link at the top!
Tszyu on facing Spence
“I’ve always been a guy that chases the toughest and baddest challenges out there and when I got presented with Errol, who is undeniably one of the best
fighters of this decade, I didn’t hesitate and straight away accepted. I accepted not to compete, but I accepted because I knew that I’m going to [win], the victory is the only thing on my mind. I know the challenge that is put in front of me, I’m going to work super hard and I’m coming through it all.”
Spence on making his return after a long hiatus
“I’m glad to be back. It’s been a long time, three year layoff, and I’m sure everybody has their own reserved opinions thinking I’m a shell of myself, or ‘do he still have it?’ and it’s just, because I’ll be thinking the same thing seeing my last fight. But I guarantee you come July 26, you will see a better, more improved Errol Spence.
“I feel like [the time off] help me mentally, helped me physically, gave me some time to recover and just enjoy life…I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to put on a great show. I can’t wait for July 26 to be fighting in Australia, to be fighting in front of his fans. I look forward to disappointing them, putting on a great show, putting on another great performance and showing ya’ll why they nicknamed me The Truth.”
Tszyu on whether Spence made a mistake going straight into this fight
“It’s definitely not recommended, to go straight into the firing line. It would’ve been better to start off slowly but, you know, on his caliber he feels like he doesn’t need tune-ups, which is fair enough, but it’s going to be fireworks from the opening bell.”
Spence on dealing with ring rust
“Ring rust is nothing but a mental thing. If you have a training camp, if you look good in training camp, if you look good in sparring, why can’t you look good in the fight? That’s a mental barrier you’re talking about, and that’s why people need tune-ups. I don’t need a tune-up because the proof is in the pudding when you’re in the gym…If I feel good in training camp and I feel good in sparring, I’m going to feel good in the fight. I’m mentally ready, physically ready.
“I feel like me and Ronnie Shields have a great game plan. Ronnie Shields been through this numerous times so we’ll be 100% ready for anything that he can bring to the table.”
Tszyu on if there’s pressure fighting at home
“Definitely no pressure. I’m just excited for the opportunity, fighting in Australia…There’s no place like home and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Spence on Tszyu looking at this fight like his father’s big moment against Chavez
“It’s cute but that ain’t what that it. It’s Errol Spence vs Tim Tszyu. He’s no caliber of his daddy, so he can’t even compare himself to his pops. He fighting me, he trying to get out of his daddy’s shadow.”
Tszyu’s reaction to Spence’s comments
“It’s alright. I’m a very respectful guy. I came up to him before, tried to shake his hand, he just walked past me like a disrespectful f-ck and that just shows the type of person he is and that’s alright. You know, he’s talking about the comparisons between me and my dad, I’ve heard it all. Every fighter I’ve ever fought has said the same thing.”
