Errol Spence Jr. enters Tszyu clash as betting favorite with global split opinions

Errol Spence Jr. will face Tim Tszyu in a blockbuster super welterweight clash on July 26 in Sydney, with the American entering as the betting favorite at $1.70 to Tszyu’s $2.20.

How the fight stacks up ahead of the bell

Less than two weeks out from the biggest fight of his career, Tim Tszyu carries a recent run of three straight world-title losses: twice to Sebastian Fundora and once to Bakhram Murtazalia. Spence, meanwhile, has not fought since 2023 and is coming off a layoff that Fundora called “too much time” for any boxer to stay sharp.

The fight headlines what organisers dub the biggest card in Australian boxing history, set for Sunday July 26 at 11am AEST and streaming live on Kayo Sports.

What the experts are saying about Errol Spence Jr.

American great Zab Judah tipped Spence to stop Tszyu in Sydney, while Tszyu’s former sparring partner Issac Hardman admitted picking against Spence is “almost impossible”: though he still wants Tszyu to prevail. Fundora, who has beaten Tszyu twice, doubled down on his support for the Australian, citing home advantage and Spence’s long absence as key factors.

Team Spence’s backers include Terence Crawford, Teofimo Lopez, Timothy Bradley, Shawn Porter, Brian Mendoza, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre and Shakur Stevenson. Tszyu’s camp can point to Jermell Charlo, Sergio Mora, Shane Mosley and Carlos Ocampo among those tipping an upset.

Why Spence’s inactivity matters

Fundora argued Spence’s three-year layoff will show once the opening bell rings, noting that even his own return after defeat came with active training. Hardman also questioned Tszyu’s decision to skip a U.S. training camp, calling the sparring pool in America “the quality you need” for a world-class rival like Spence.

Spence last fought in April 2023, a split-decision loss to Terence Crawford at 147 pounds. Tszyu, 30, has not fought above 154 since his lone welterweight title tilt against Josh Taylor in May 2022.

What’s next for Errol Spence Jr.

The Sydney showdown marks Spence’s first fight in Australia and his first at 154 pounds since 2019. If he wins, he inches closer to a potential superfight with Jermell Charlo or a rematch with Crawford. A Tszyu victory would hand Spence his first loss in four fights and hand the Australian a signature scalp on home soil.