Former unified welterweight champion says Tszyu’s remarks before the faceoff ended any interest in shaking hands
Errol Spence says Tim Tszyu’s pre-fight comments changed his attitude ahead of their July 25 showdown, leaving him with no interest in exchanging pleasantries before the opening bell. The former unified welterweight champion says Tszyu’s reference to Keith Thurman crossed the line and made the fight personal.
“I went back and forth with him, and I felt like I wasn’t disrespectful. It’s a fight,” Spence told reporters during Wednesday’s media workout when asked about the exchange.
The former unified welterweight champion, Spence, said he took exception to the comments Tszyu made before the faceoff and felt it made a friendly gesture unnecessary.
“I heard something he said that he was going to do me like Fundora did Keith Thurman. Just talking a whole bunch of crap, and then he expected me to come shake his hand. And I wasn’t in the mood for that.”
Rather than smooth things over, Spence, 36, believes both fighters should embrace the hostility heading into the bout on Amazon Prime Video PPV.
“It’s time to fight. We’re in a tough fight. He said it’s going to be a war, then let it be,” said Errol.
Despite the friction, Spence made it clear he respects Tszyu’s ability inside the ring.
“He’s good. He’s cool.”
The matchup represents a major test for both fighters. Spence is returning after nearly three years out of the ring and moving up in weight, while Tszyu is trying to prove he remains among the division’s elite after rebuilding from consecutive defeats.
Tom Galm is a boxing journalist who has covered the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends, and fighter psychology.
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Boxing News 24 » News » Errol Spence Says Tim Tszyu’s Comments Changed Everything Before July 25 Fight
Last Updated on 2026/06/25 at 3:08 AM