Errol Spence Jr. warns rival Tszyu: 'I'm the big fish' ahead of fight

Errol Spence Jr. has fired a warning shot at Tim Tszyu ahead of their July 20 welterweight clash in Australia.

What did Spence say?

Errol Spence Jr. branded himself the "big fish" in a direct message to Tim Tszyu on Thursday. The American superstar took to social media to underline his status as the top dog in the division before their July 20 showdown in Sydney. "I'm the big fish," Spence declared, framing the fight as a chance to prove his dominance. Tszyu, the 26-year-old Australian contender, has never fought for a world title and now stands in Spence's path to a second tilt at undisputed glory.

Why this fight matters for Spence

For Errol Spence Jr., this isn't just another 12-rounder. The 32-year-old Texan already holds the IBF and WBC belts. A win over Tszyu would set up a potential undisputed showdown with Terence Crawford: a fight that could reshape the welterweight landscape for years. Spence's camp has made no secret of their ambitions. "We're here to take names," said one of Spence's advisors. The Sydney crowd will get a first look at Spence's full arsenal when he steps into the ring on July 20.

Tim Tszyu's challenge

Tim Tszyu, 26, enters the bout with a 24-1 record and a reputation as a slick southpaw. His only loss came against Brian Mendoza in 2023, a fight many saw as a step up too soon. Tszyu has since rattled off five straight wins, including a 2024 decision over Sebastian Fundora. "I respect Errol," Tszyu told reporters last week. "But I'm not here to lose." The Sydney fight will mark Tszyu's first world-title bout and his biggest test yet.

What comes next for both men

If Spence wins, he inches closer to a blockbuster fight with Crawford. A Tszyu upset would force Spence to regroup and could spark a new era in the division. For Tszyu, a victory would catapult him into the elite tier and set up a potential trilogy with Mendoza. Either way, July 20 promises fireworks. The welterweight division hasn't seen this much buzz since Spence last fought in 2023. The Sydney SuperDome will host the clash, with broadcast details still being finalized.