A pragmatic and balanced view of what the main Errol Spence and Tim Tszyu strengths and weaknesses are this weekend in boxing.
It is America vs Australia in Spence vs Tszyu and both bring different tools to the contest this weekend.
In a catchweight near 160 pounds. A very foreign weight, and land (in Australia) Spence finds himself in.
Here is a technical and physical breakdown of both fighters ahead of their catchweight clash, based on analysis from boxing experts.
Errol Spence Jr. – Strengths
- Elite southpaw jab – uses it to measure distance, control pace, and set up power shots; considered one of his greatest weapons
- Body punching – systematically breaks opponents down with punishing shots to the midsection
- Pressure and ring cutting – hunts opponents down, closes distance effectively, and forces them into exchanges
- High fight IQ and composure – rarely wastes movement; controls position and discipline in the pocket
- Mix of combination speeds – varies rhythm to keep opponents guessing
- Good height and reach – 5ft 9½in with 72in reach, giving slight advantages over Tszyu
- Experience against elite opposition – beat Brook, Porter, Garcia, and Ugas at the highest level
- Proven durability (historically) – took punches from top welterweights before the Crawford fight
- Clutch finisher – known for breaking opponents down and finishing them in championship rounds
- Renewed mental focus – Spence says he found peace and stopped drinking during his layoff, potentially sharpening his mindset
Errol Spence Jr. – Weaknesses
- Three years of inactivity – last fought in July 2023; ring rust and loss of timing are major unknowns
- Age (36) – past prime for a welterweight moving up; legs and reflexes may have declined
- History of injuries – 2019 car crash caused dental and soft tissue damage; suffered detached retina and rib injury before Crawford; body may be worn
- Weight jump uncertainty – never fought above 147lb as a pro; now at 160lb; size advantage lost
- Poor head movement – Shawn Porter noted Spence’s high guard is “quite bad” and he can be hit cleanly
- Possible stamina issues – hasn’t gone deep into a fight in years; conditioning may fade in later rounds
- Mentally affected by Crawford loss – admitted he wasn’t fully prepared; the defeat may still linger
- New trainer (Ronnie Shields) – partnership untested at this level; chemistry and game plan unknowns
- History of weight and lifestyle issues – multiple car accidents, DUI, partying; may have taken years off his career
- Questionable motivation – Tszyu has suggested Spence is fighting for money, not legacy; critics wonder if he has anything left
Tim Tszyu – Strengths
- Relentless forward pressure – trademark style; forces opponents to fight going backwards and into exchanges
- Active and fight-hardened – fought seven times since Spence last stepped in the ring; match-fit and sharp
- Power at 160lb – no longer draining to make super-welterweight; carrying more power than ever
- Good footwork – Robert Garcia noted Tszyu can move, circle, and use feints effectively
- Combination punching – throws in flurries and can overwhelm stationary opponents
- Elite punch connect rate – lands at 45-47% of power punches, an elite rate
- Proven durability and heart – went 12 rounds with Fundora with half his face hanging off; tough as nails
- Younger (31) and naturally bigger – five years younger; more established at the heavier weights
- New trainer Jeff Fenech – Hall of Famer brings a “boss mindset” and psychological edge, reinforcing aggression
- Home crowd advantage – fighting in Sydney, Australia, with massive local support
Tim Tszyu – Weaknesses
- Defensive flaws – keeps head on centreline; lacks head movement; can be hit cleanly by sharp punchers
- Too flat-footed – Shawn Porter says this reduces hand speed and makes him stationary
- Recent losses exposed him – dropped four times by Murtazaliev; stopped by Fundora; durability questioned
- Takes too much punishment – 3-3 in last six fights; wear and tear may have shortened his prime
- Questionable chin at elite level – has been hurt early in previous fights
- Lack of one-shot knockout power – despite pressure, lacks the single punch to sit elite opponents down
- Can be drawn into brawls – Spence believes Tszyu’s aggression creates openings and leaves him vulnerable
- Still learning new trainer’s system – only one camp with Fenech; technical changes may be limited
- Cut history – suffered cuts in multiple fights; could be an issue again
- Not his father’s level – experts say he lacks the all-around ability of Kostya Tszyu; good but not great
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