Tim Tszyu has vowed to make Sunday’s blockbuster the final fight of Errol Spence Jnr’s celebrated career, while the event’s co-main has also been rocked by a dramatic late weight change.
Less than 48 hours before one of the biggest fight cards in Aussie boxing history, Tszyu made a bold prediction about what awaits the American superstar.
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Standing face-to-face for the final time before fight night at Friday’s pre-fight press conference, The Phoenix declared he isn’t simply looking to beat Spence.
He wants to end his career.
“I respect what he’s done,” said Tszyu.
“But there comes a time in people’s journeys and I believe that now is the right time…
“Im supremely confident [I can make it his last fight]. It’s nothing personal.
“I do want to make it his last fight…
“I’ve never felt this good before a fight. I’m dialled in. This feels like a super bowl type fight.”
Asked if he had any final message for his rival, Tszyu replied.
“I’ll meet him in the centre on Sunday.”
Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence Jr press conferenceSource: FOX SPORTS
Spence, however, showed very little concern when asked about the Australian’s prediction.
“That’s what everyone plans to do [retire me],” he explained.
“That’s my plan [to retire Tszyu]. To impose my will and beat him up.
“If it’s there [the knockout], I’ll take it.”
The pair then locked eyes in one final extended staredown before being separated, with neither man willing to break eye contact.
Elsewhere, organisers confirmed a significant late change to the night’s chief support, with Stephen Fulton and Liam Wilson now set to meet at 133 pounds, rather than the originally contracted 130-pound super featherweight limit.
The change follows Fulton’s well-documented struggles to make weight ahead of his loss to O’Shaquie Foster earlier this year.
Wilson said the adjustment would make no difference.
“In terms of the weight, it’s not a problem,” said Wilson.
“I’ll fight him at any weight. I’m preparing for the best version. We expected some trouble on the scales… but it doesn’t matter.
“This is the biggest test of my life” | 08:18
“To have a top fighter on my resume like Fulton means the world to me. Tune in on Sunday.”
When quizzed if he’d been struggling with weight, Fulton said he requested the change “weeks ago”.
“It has nothing to do with me preparing for this fight,” he said.
“I’m still going to be a dog.
“I wanna rumble, get down and dirty.”
“Let’s rumble.”
Sunday’s main event may not necessarily be the end of the rivalry between Tszyu and Spence, either.
Journalist Peter Badel reported on Friday that discussions have already taken place over the possibility of a rematch in the United States should the contest warrant another chapter.
Tszyu v Spence rematch on the cards? | 01:17
Regardless of who gets their hand raised, promoter George Rose believes fight fans are in for a barnburner.
“It’s been a great week leading up to the fight,” Rose said.
“It’s an honour to host people of this stature.
“Spence is a man who packs out arenas in America and he’s here to face Tim Tszyu.
“The outcome of this fight is very interesting. Everyone will want to know what’s next.
“This is the strongest and biggest I’ve ever seen Tim Tszyu look.
“I’ve never seen him look so confident and comfortable.
“This is going to be an absolute banger. This will be one of the fights of the year.
“Tim Tszyu is undefeated in Australia, nobody has come close.
“Many men have tried. Many men have failed.”
More to follow…