Spence returns at 154 against Tszyu in Australia
Errol Spence Jr. returns July 25 against Tim Tszyu in Australia in his first fight in nearly three years. The winner moves straight back into the 154-pound title chase.
The fight headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video, staged in Tszyu’s home country, with Spence choosing to come back on the road rather than ease in.
Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) has not fought since the Terence Crawford loss in 2023. He moves up to super welterweight for the first time, ending a long run at 147 where he held the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. He said, “I’m grateful to be back,” and made it clear this is not a soft return. “No tune-ups. No easy road I’m stepping straight into his backyard into the fire because that’s where I do my best work.”
Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs) comes in active, with recent wins over Denis Nurja and Anthony Velazquez after his two fights with Sebastian Fundora. He has stayed busy at 154 and kept his position close to the belt picture. He said, “I’ve always said I’m hunting the biggest fights and biggest names and now I’ve got one right in front of me.”
Tszyu has never lost in Australia, and this will be his third straight fight at home. He said, “I’m undefeated at home and he’s stepping into my backyard.”
Spence has handled road fights before, winning his first world title in Sheffield against Kell Brook, but this is a different situation. He is coming off a long layoff and moving up in weight against a fighter who throws in combinations and stays in range.
Both fighters are coming off setbacks at the top level. Spence against Crawford, Tszyu in his fights with Fundora. Two fighters trying to force their way back into the title picture.
July 25 will show if Spence can still handle a fast pace at a higher weight, or if Tszyu’s activity and pressure keep him in control of the rounds.