Despite the concerns surrounding Errol’s lengthy three-year absence from the ring, Shakur believes the former unified welterweight champion still has what it takes to defeat Tszyu.
“I think [Spence] gonna do good. I wish Errol the best; I hope Errol goes in there and beats Tim Tszyu up,” Shakur said to Andre Ward’s channel.
“I’m an Errol Spence fan; I was cool with Errol Spence before that [Terence Crawford] fight. I know Errol is mentally tough. Errol is a dog when it comes to fighting, so I don’t think Tim Tszyu can beat him.”
Spence has not fought since suffering a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Crawford in July 2023, a loss that cost him his WBC, WBA, and IBF welterweight titles. The 36-year-old now attempts to revive his career in a new weight class after nearly three years away from competition.
Tszyu, meanwhile, enters the bout having rebuilt momentum following a difficult stretch in 2024. The former WBO junior middleweight champion bounced back from setbacks against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev with consecutive victories to put himself back into position for another marquee fight.
Shakur has previously expressed confidence in Spence’s chances against Tszyu, but his latest comments suggest he remains convinced that the Texan’s experience, mentality, and overall ability will prove decisive on July 25.
The matchup represents one of the biggest tests of Spence’s career. While Tszyu is looking to secure the signature victory that could redefine his standing at junior middleweight, Errol will be attempting to show that he can still compete at the highest level following an extended period of inactivity.
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