Errol Spence Jr Wants to Take Over Tim Tszyu’s ‘Backyard’

Errol Spence Jr (28-1, 22 KOs) is finally in Australia to face Tim Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs) after a 3-year-long hiatus. But it sure looks like his plans go beyond merely winning the fight.

Talking to reporters after landing in Australia, Spence Jr. was all praise for the welcome he received after his arrival.

“I wasn’t expecting to get greeted by aborigines and getting a whole dance and getting to meet them and everything. So, it was dope, man. I appreciate that,” he said, albeit without forgetting the goal at hand. “But just staying focused, going over the game plan in the gym and getting ready.”

Spence Jr. arrived in Sydney, Australia on Thursday morning, July 16, about nine days before his scheduled fight. His arrival had briefly been delayed by passport and travel-document issues in Los Angeles, but he ultimately landed and was given a traditional Aboriginal welcome at the airport.

However, he has made it clear that he is not traveling to Australia simply to make a comeback; he believes he can defeat Tszyu on his home soil. Since arriving in Sydney, Spence has repeatedly said he is coming to “take over” Tszyu’s backyard and disappoint the hometown crowd, embracing the challenge of fighting in hostile territory rather than avoiding it. While his long layoff has raised legitimate questions about ring rust and conditioning, Spence‘s mindset remains unwavering.

“It’s going to be a dope event. I’ve been used to it. Even when I was in the amateurs, I fought overseas a lot, so it’s not something I’m unfamiliar with at all,” he said. “I don’t have no message for [Tszyu]. I’m the big fish. I’m going to come take over his backyard.”

“I Just Wanted Him Here”

Tszyu, on the other hand, was expecting him all along.  In conversation with The Ring Magazine, he mentioned that he is hopeful that his opponent won’t come up with any excuses.

“I just wanted him here. I wanted the fight to happen. I’m not a diva. It’s whatever, man, whatever. I’m an easy guy,” he said. “I just don’t want any excuses. I want him here, refreshed, rejuvenated, make sure he’s not struggling with weight, make sure everything’s on point, because I wanna beat up the best Errol Spence.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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