Dan Rafael reports 154-pound bout in planning as Spence eyes return against active former titleholder
Errol Spence Jr is being lined up to face Tim Tszyu on July 26 in Australia, according to Dan Rafael. The proposed bout would mark Spence’s return after a long layoff and his move up to 154 pounds against a proven opponent.
Rafael reported that sources indicate the junior middleweight bout is being lined up for Sunday afternoon, July 26, in Australia, which would place the U.S. broadcast on Saturday night, July 25.
If finalized, it would be Spence’s first fight since his stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. The former welterweight champion has spent a long stretch out of the ring, and this would also mark his move to junior middleweight against an opponent who is naturally bigger and more active.
That makes this a demanding comeback assignment rather than a safe tune-up. Spence would be returning after nearly three years away, overseas, and against a fighter who has already operated at the world level in the division. By July, it will have been roughly 36 months since Spence last fought. At 36 years old, that kind of inactivity is difficult for most.
Tim Tszyu is also looking to steady his position in front of a home crowd after a difficult recent run. Even so, he remains one of the stronger names at 154 and brings size, pressure, and familiarity with the weight.
The timing also gives both sides a clear commercial window, with an Australian stadium-style afternoon event converting neatly into a Saturday night U.S. television slot.
Nothing is official until contracts are signed, but if this gets completed, Spence is choosing risk immediately. Many fighters coming off a layoff ask for something softer. This one goes the other way.