Tim Tszyu wraps self in native flag to build Australian support versus Errol Spence Jnr

Tim Tszyu is going nationalistic in his effort to defeat visiting American Errol Spence Jnr this weekend in Australia.

“This is our land, and we’re gonna defend it,” Tszyu said at the bout’s media workout, staged below the famed Sydney Harbor Bridge.

The non-title middleweight pay-per-view bout that can be seen in the U.S. on Prime Video and DAZN at 9 p.m. Eastern/6 p.m. Pacific Saturday pits former WBO 154lbs champion Tszyu, 27-3 (18 KOs), versus ex-three-belt welterweight champion Spence, 28-1 (22 KOs), in a meaningful clash of veterans in need of a signature victory.

“This is iconic under the harbor bridge with all my Sydney fans. It’s a good feeling to be back on this stage,” Tszyu said.”I just want to get in there and do my job, and that’s to fight.

“I’m the underdog and I’ve been treated that way. That’s alright. I’m here to do the job and fight night and make Australia proud.”

The son of former champion Kostya Tszyu, Tim Tszyu has been reeling since deciding to fight through a vicious head gash caused by the elbow of then-contender Sebastian Fundora in 2024. A narrow loss on the scorecards followed, as did another defeat (by stoppage) at the hands of Fundora last year.

The older Spence has his own questions to answer as he returns three years after a destructive, multi-knockdown loss to five-division champion Terence Crawford in July 2023.

“It’s gonna be electric. It’s something that not every fighter gets to experience and I’m lucky to be in this position,” Tszyu said of the showdown that comes as both he and Spence have retained new trainers, in Jeff Fenech and Ronnie Shields. 

“I don’t have much to say to Errol at this point. I want my hands to do the talking. I know he’s taken a few things personally, but there’s nothing personal to me. I stand by my words. I want to do damage and hurt him.

“I just want to get in there and smack him. He’s gonna come throw a lot of punches and he seems ready. He looks strong.”

Texas’ former U.S.Olympian Spence has chafed at Tszyu comments about retiring him and going after an eye injury that cost Spence a bout against Manny Pacquiao.

Spence, known for eschewing tune-up fights, has gone to foreign territory previously, winning his first IBF welterweight belt on a road trip to defeat England’s Kell Brook.  

“I know that this is gonna be a tough, grueling fight. Tim is gonna push me past my limits when we get in there,” Spence said. “This feels similar to when I went over to England … the mentality doesn’t change at all. It’s me versus him and it’s everything on the line. The hunger is still there and I’m still here to show everyone that Errol Spence is still here.

“I know that Tim is coming with everything. He’s a strong fighter who’s gonna keep pressing forward. He’s gonna give everything he has. He’s relentless. I know it’s gonna be a hard fight.”