Spence and Tszyu set for middleweight clash in Sydney
The 12-round bout at Afterpay Arena marks a significant shift in weight class and coaching for both fighters ahead of the July 25 event.
Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. is set to return to professional boxing in a 12-round middleweight bout against Australian fighter Tim Tszyu. Scheduled for 25 July 2026 at Afterpay Arena in Sydney, the event marks Spence’s first appearance since his loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, ending a three-year hiatus from the sport. The fight will be broadcast on DAZN.
The bout was originally negotiated as a 158-pound catchweight but was elevated to the middleweight division at Spence’s request. Spence, a 36-year-old southpaw with a record of 28 wins and one loss, has never previously competed at middleweight or even 154 pounds. He enters the ring backed by legendary coach Ronnie Shields, following a public separation from former trainer Derrick James.
Tszyu, 31, makes his debut under new trainer Jeff Fenech, a Hall of Fame boxer and countryman. This marks a significant change for Tszyu, who recently concluded a two-fight stint with Cuban coach Pedro Diaz in Miami. The Australian fighter, who holds a record of 27 wins and three losses, has endured a difficult period including losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, and is now seeking to capitalise on Spence’s extended absence from competition.
Tensions between the two camps escalated during the build-up, particularly after Spence refused to shake hands with Tszyu at a press conference in Las Vegas in May. Despite the friction, Tszyu described the upcoming contest as the biggest test of his life, comparing its significance to a Super Bowl. Spence, conversely, stated that his motivation is not financial but rather a desire to author the final chapter of his career on his own terms, admitting he fought Crawford in 2023 with fractured ribs to secure financial stability for his family.
The undercard faced significant disruptions before the main event. Jermall Charlo was unable to compete after his visa was denied by Australian authorities. Additionally, the co-main event between Stephen Fulton and Liam Wilson was cancelled after Fulton missed weight by 6.5 pounds. The main event remains scheduled to proceed as a competitive clash between two former champions with distinct technical profiles and recent physical challenges.
