Terence Crawford, the undefeated former undisputed welterweight champion, has officially backed Errol Spence Jr. to defeat Tim Tszyu in their upcoming junior middleweight clash scheduled for late July 2026. Speaking on The Porterway Podcast, Crawford confirmed he will be ringside in Sydney to support his former rival, revealing he has already told Tszyu to his face that he expects the American to emerge victorious.
The prediction carries notable weight given the history between the two men. Errol Spence Jr. has been out of the ring since July 2023, when Crawford handed him a ninth-round technical knockout loss to become the first undisputed four-belt welterweight king. Despite the three-year layoff, Crawford remains convinced that “The Truth” retains the elite ability required to beat the former champion on Australian soil.
Crawford dismisses concerns over Errol Spence Jr. inactivity
During his podcast appearance, Crawford was blunt about his expectations for the return of his former opponent. He dismissed the narrative that the long hiatus and previous injuries would diminish the Texan’s effectiveness. Crawford argued that the experience of a former unified champion is a permanent asset that does not simply fade with time away from the sport.
“I’mma be supporting Spence, rooting [for him],” Crawford stated, explaining that he naturally supports elite fighters of Spence’s caliber. He confirmed his confidence was high enough to share it directly with the opponent, noting, “I told [Tszyu] to his face.” This psychological edge highlights Crawford’s belief that Spence remains a “beast” and a “future Hall of Famer.”
The bout marks a significant physical transition for Errol Spence Jr., who is moving up to the 154-pound junior middleweight division. Reports indicate the fight may take place at a 158-pound catchweight. To facilitate this comeback, Spence has moved on from longtime trainer Derrick James to work with Ronnie Shields.
Terence Crawford’s prediction for the Spence-Tszyu bout was first reported around May 3, 2026, and again on June 7, 2026. This indicates a consistent belief in Spence’s capabilities, even months out from the fight. Crawford feels that Spence brings a wealth of accumulated knowledge and skill to the ring, regardless of recent fight history.
He put it simply, stating that “the miles are already in it, the experience is already in it.” This assertion suggests Crawford views boxing acumen as something ingrained, not easily eroded by a temporary absence. He’s placing his faith in Spence’s fundamental boxing ability.
Spence’s challenging road to recovery and comeback
Errol Spence Jr.’s return on July 25, 2026, or July 26, 2026, depending on the broadcast zone, marks nearly three years since his last professional fight. That sole loss came against Crawford on July 29, 2023, a dominant ninth-round technical knockout. But it’s not just the loss that has kept Spence out of action.
Before that fight, Spence publicly admitted his training camp was “bull—-.” He acknowledged that he “didn’t spar for probably six or seven weeks,” a significant setback for any professional boxer. Lifestyle choices, including struggles with alcohol, further impacted his preparation for the biggest fight of his career against Terence Crawford.
For this comeback, Spence claims to have adopted a drastically different approach. He’s maintained a healthier routine throughout his layoff, avoiding alcohol and staying active physically. This commitment suggests a fighter determined to reclaim his former glory, not just make a token appearance.
The move up in weight class to junior middleweight (154 pounds), with a confirmed 158-pound catchweight for this particular fight, also speaks to Spence’s dedication. He’s confronting new challenges instead of shying away from them. His decision to partner with Ronnie Shields marks a clear departure from his long-standing collaboration with Derrick James, signalling a fresh perspective in his corner.
Fans will be watching closely to see if these changes translate into a revitalised performance. Given Spence’s past struggles with injuries and a serious car accident, a strong showing in Sydney is crucial for his career trajectory. Some fans had even written him off, making this fight a pivotal moment.
Tim Tszyu’s ambition meets a former champion
Tim Tszyu enters this bout in far more active form, despite recently navigating a difficult period. His professional record stands at 27-3 with 18 KOs. Earlier this year, he returned to Australia and began working with Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech, aiming to refine his technique and mental game.
Tszyu has been vocal about his intentions, declaring, “I reckon I’ll stop this guy. Earlier than Crawford. That’s what I’m going for.” This bold statement underscores his confidence and belief that he can achieve a more decisive victory than Crawford did against Spence. Tszyu previously praised Crawford’s performance against Spence as a “masterclass,” describing him “like a magician at a magic show.”
His recent form has seen him bounce back from three consecutive world title defeats, including a split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora in July 2025 and a technical knockout loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024. But he’s managed to string together back-to-back victories against Denis Nurja on April 5, 2026, and Anthony Velazquez on December 17, 2025.
This resurgence, combined with the advantage of a home crowd at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney, could provide Tszyu with a significant psychological boost. His fighting style, marked by aggression and power, aims to capitalize on any lingering vulnerabilities Spence might have after his extended layoff. The experience he gained from fighting high-level opponents will certainly factor into his approach against Spence.
The battleground: Sydney, Australia, and fight day details
The highly anticipated junior middleweight clash between Errol Spence Jr. and Tim Tszyu is set to ignite the Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The fight date is confirmed as July 25, 2026, according to Premier Boxing Champions, with Box.Live listing July 26, 2026, likely accounting for time zone differences. This massive event will be available to fans via PBC pay-per-view and will stream on Prime Video.
The undercard provides additional intrigue, featuring several notable matchups. Stephen Fulton is slated to face Liam Wilson, while Jermall Charlo will go head-to-head with Koen Mazoudier. These fights often offer breakout opportunities for fighters and could steal the show. For more on how delays affect such major fights, consider reading about the ongoing Fury-Joshua contract disputes.
The decision to host the fight in Sydney gives Tszyu a distinct home-field advantage. Aussie boxing fans are passionate and vocal, creating an electrifying atmosphere that can undeniably affect a fighter’s performance. Spence, accustomed to fighting in hostile environments, will need to maintain his composure against the backdrop of a partisan crowd, which could be a factor after such a long break from competition. The 158-pound catchweight is also an interesting detail, indicating a compromise between the two fighters’ natural weight classes in the junior middleweight division.
Terence Crawford’s unique ringside perspective
Terence Crawford’s public backing of Errol Spence Jr. is more than just a prediction; it’s a statement from a fighter who knows Spence better than almost anyone in the sport. Crawford isn’t just making an educated guess; he’s making a psychological read on an opponent he systematically dismantled in 2023. His presence ringside will be an interesting subplot, as he will be watching his former rival from a unique vantage point.
Crawford’s confidence in Spence stems from his belief in Spence’s inherent “elite” status. He disregards the three-year layoff because he believes the foundational skills and mental fortitude that make Spence a “beast” and a “future Hall of Famer” are still intact. This perspective bypasses purely superficial concerns about recent activity or past struggles.
His casual mention of a wager with a friend named Taji further solidifies his conviction. It’s a personal stake, reflecting genuine belief rather than mere punditry. This makes Crawford’s prediction all the more compelling, as he wouldn’t gamble on a fighter he didn’t genuinely believe in, especially one he bested so convincingly.
The broader implications for an uncertain future
Errol Spence Jr. returning to the ring carries significant implications for his career. He openly admitted that retirement was a consideration during his extended layoff and that it might be on the table again, regardless of the outcome against Tszyu. This stark reality adds an extra layer of pressure to a fight already brimming with narratives.
Should Spence secure a dominant victory, it would re-establish him as a major force in the junior middleweight division and potentially set up other lucrative matchups. Conversely, a loss would significantly complicate his future in the sport, potentially accelerating his retirement plans. The boxing world will be watching to see if the changes he has made outside the ring will translate to success inside it.
For Tim Tszyu, a win over a returning but still formidable Spence would be a monumental achievement. It would erase the memory of his recent title defeats and catapult him back into contention for major belts. This is a chance for Tszyu to prove his mettle against a true boxing elite, even one coming off a long break.
The outcome will undoubtedly shake up the junior middleweight landscape, potentially opening doors for top contenders like Jermall Charlo, who is also fighting on the undercard. It’s a classic crossroads fight, with both men having everything to gain or lose. Such events are always dramatic and unpredictable. For further insight into potential career trajectories after a big fight, consider the recent discussions about Canelo Alvarez’s retirement outlook.
