Former boxing star Andre Dirrell has warned that Errol Spence Jr. could be walking into dangerous territory by travelling to Australia to fight Tim Tszyu – with comparisons drawn to what happened to Roy Jones Jr. against Danny Green.
The comments come as Spence’s coach Ronnie Shields and several former world champions back the American to revive his career with a win over Tszyu.
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Former unified welterweight champion Spence will return from a three-year hiatus for a blockbuster showdown with Tszyu in Australia on July 26, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
But Dirrell believes the trip itself could present a major challenge for “The Truth”.
Speaking about the matchup, Dirrell agreed when asked if the bout carried similarities to Roy Jones Jr.’s ill-fated 2009 trip to Australia to face Danny Green in Sydney.
Jones Jr., widely regarded as one of the most gifted fighters in boxing history, arrived in Australia as a favourite but was stopped by former world champ Green inside 122 seconds.
“I feel the punishment happening,” Dirrell told Fighthype’s Ron Goodall.
“Could it be soon? Absolutely.
“And then, just like Roy [Jones Jr], he might not see this in his head — but his brain remembers the kind of punishment he took.
“So when he gets in there and takes those shots, whether he thinks he’s ready for it or not, his brain might not be. All I can do is hope for the best…
“This fight could be 50-50, man. This could be Tim Tszyu’s fight to put him back on the map, or this could be Errol Spence’s fight to put him back on the map.”
Boxers Roy Jones Jr (L) and Danny Green during their IBO World Cruserweight title bout at ACER Arena, Olympic Park, Homebush, Sydney.Source: News Limited
Dirrell also questioned whether an aggressive fighter like Tszyu is the right style matchup for Spence at this stage of his career.
“Listen, it’s Tim Tszyu, man. We all know he’s a tough cookie,” Dirrell said.
“It seems like Errol always wants to put himself in these types of situations – especially with comebacks…
“He doesn’t want any warm-ups….
“That kind of fight deserves the right kind of comeback.
“He has to be careful. But like I said with Tim Tszyu, he’s taken enough punishment – he’s been knocked out and beat up… He’s been in some wars.
“I think it’s a good matchup, but both fighters are going to get beat up a little bit.
“My question is – how is Errol going to come out of this? Is he going to look the way he used to?”
But not everyone is convinced Spence’s three year absence will work against him, with former world champ Teofimo Lopez dismissing concerns about ring rust.
“Erroll Spence has been non-stop working out,” he told Fight Hub TV.
“He already looks like he’s in shape now. And when you stay on that trajectory, when you stay on working out… he will look great.”
“I really want to see him win,” Lopez added.
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Another former champion, Zab Judah, echoed support for Spence but conceded the assignment isn’t an easy one.
“I got spence by KO,” he told MillCity Boxing.
“Why? I put him in the zoo and he’s gonna react like an animal.
“He’s been hurt. He’s a wounded animal now and he’s coming back to show the world…
“I do believe in Errol Spence. His comeback is going to be crazy.”
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Meanwhile, Spence’s coach Ronnie Shields believes the extended break may ultimately benefit his fighter, claiming the former welterweight king looks rejuvenated in training camp.
“He’s excited to come to the gym,” Shields told FightHype.
“He wants to train. He’s excited… He’s rejuvenated.
“It’s like he’s new all over again. And that’s what makes a great fighter – when you still want to do it. When you know how to do it, but still want the guidance to do it.
“I think that’s where he’s at right now.”
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But Shields is also under no illusions about the challenge from Tszyu when they travel Down Under in July.
“Of course he’s a very dangerous opponent,” Shields said.
“He’s a good fighter – simple as that.
“He’s been around, he’s fought the Fundoras and those kinds of guys.
“He’s proved himself.”