Australia’s Tim Tszyu has delivered a simple message to Errol Spence Jnr after the American revealed he is jetting into Las Vegas to chase a showdown with the WBO super welterweight king.
“Come to papa,” Tszyu laughed.
BOXING: Don’t miss Tim Tszyu in a unified World Title fight this Sunday against 6-foot 6 Towering Inferno Sebastian Fundora. Plus catch fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa taking on Erislandy Lara for his shot to become the Middle Weight World Champion LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
On the eve of Sunday’s world title showdown with Sebastian Fundora, Tszyu suddenly has not one, but two super fights in the offing should he win – with both Spence and Terence Crawford now chasing a fight with the Sydneysider.
Fresh off successful cataract surgery, Spence took to social media on Thursday here in the US, tweeting: “Headed to Vegas. I want the winner”.
Then, just to ensure everyone understood he was on the hunt, the 34-year-old Texan added video imagery of a shark.
Asked after Thursday’s press conference about Spence’s challenge, and the fact he now joins Crawford on list a of potential rivals, Tszyu grinned: “I’ve wanted Errol Spence for a long time.
“We’ve had history, he’s called me a few things so I’d like that fight as well.”
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know about Tszyu v Fundora
Spence or Crawford? Who should Tim fight | 01:33
MORE COVERAGE
‘You disrespected me’: Tszyu’s fiery pre-press conference clash with ‘weasel’ revealed
‘Dreams come true’: Tszyu’s mum opens up on son’s boxing journey
‘That’s a no no’: Mayweather boss’ big ‘chump’ criticism of Tim Tszyu
And as for how it feels to be chased?
“Come to papa,” he cackled. “Come to papa.”
Spence’s approach represents an incredible switch for Tszyu, who spent the best part of a year chasing the division’s former unified king Jermell Charlo.
Late last year, the Aussie also spoke of a ‘John Wick’ hit list that included the likes of Erickson Lubin, Spence, Crawford and, at the top, Canelo Alvarez.
Asked how it felt to now the script flipped, and a fighter like Spence chasing him, Tszyu replied: “It feels good.
“And that’s why we went down this path of collecting the belts, because then they come to you.
“I was in that position where I was chasing, chasing, chasing Charlo.
“Now they’re coming to me.
“And it’s a bigger responsibility for them to come to me.
“So it’s beautiful, man.
“These are the types of moments that I’ve always wanted.
“Big moments.
Tszyu calm ahead of Fundora fight | 05:20
“To be getting the names like this.”
Like your chances in both?
“Of course,” he said.
Tszyu also warned both Spence and Crawford would find the move up a division from welterweight “hard”, adding: “There is reason why the gloves change from eight ounces to 10 ounces … because we hit harder”.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings revealed he and Team Crawford first opened discussions last October.
He added they were approached about fighting ‘Bud’ before Christmas, but had to knock it back because they were already locked in for a WBO title defence against Brian Mendoza.
With Crawford having already stated he wants to move up and become the WBO mandatory, Tszyu would have to vacate that strap to challenge Spence for only the WBC strap.
Jennings said on Thursday that while there were now “plenty of options” for his client, nothing would be discussed until after the fight.
Fundora TOWERS over Tim in crazy faceoff | 00:44
#Tim #Tszyu #called #Errol #Spence #Tim #Tszyu #Sebastian #Fundora #Tim #Tszyu #fight #Terence #Crawford #latest #updates
