Is Spence Returning To Face Tszyu?
According to former champion Paulie Malignaggi, rumors suggest that a clash between Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence Jr. may be in the works.
Both fighters are at critical junctures in their careers: Tszyu got back to winning ways with a unanimous decision over Anthony Velazquez in December 2025. This was a vital win following a stretch where he lost three of his previous four bouts, including a TKO loss in a rematch with Sebastian Fundora in July 2025. While Spence remains a massive name, he has been inactive since his ninth-round TKO loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. Although he has teased a move to 154 lbs to become a two-weight champion, he has not fought in over two years, despite not announcing his retirement.
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Beyond the Tszyu-Spence speculation, Malignaggi discussed how PBC might make a matchup between Jaron Ennis and Jermell Charlo. Ennis is currently signed with Matchroom, but Malignaggi believes he would jump at the chance to face a name such as Charlo since a Vergil Ortiz fight has not been agreed.
“There was a rumor here down under before we went on air. And one of the rumors down under here, while I’m in Australia, is Tim Tszyu versus Errol Spence. If that’s being rumored, I wouldn’t put it past PBC to offer Charlo for Jaron Ennis. You know what I mean? Jaron Ennis would take it. Obviously, he is with Matchroom now, but there’s not a lot of places you can go with Charlo at this point in his career as well. If you’re going to start to go that route, you can find guys that are more beatable for Ennis,” Malignaggi said
The Approach
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Tszyu uses a high guard and tight footwork to close the distance without taking unnecessary risks. Tszyu would likely focus on exploiting Spence’s long period of inactivity by forcing a high pace early. Against a Southpaw like Spence, Tszyu’s primary weapon would be the straight right hand. He often aims for the chest or shoulder to disrupt his opponent’s balance. Tszyu is excellent at “parrying” jabs. He would look to slap Spence’s lead right hand down, creating am opening to land his uppercuts.
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Spence’s tactics are built on a lead jab and superior positioning. For Spence, the jab is a range-finder and a power shot. He would need to use it to keep Tszyu on the end of his punches, preventing the Australian from getting into the “pocket.” Tactically, he would likely look to replicate what Sebastian Fundora did to Tszyu: use his reach and straight shots to punish Tszyu.
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