Former welterweight champion moves to 154 pounds after long layoff, Tszyu enters amid trainer split and legal issues
Errol Spence Jr is preparing for a return to the ring against Tim Tszyu at junior middleweight in a bout first reported by Ring Magazine. No date or venue has been confirmed, but the matchup places two former belt holders at a critical point in their careers.
Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) has not fought since the ninth-round stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023 that cost him the undisputed welterweight championship. The move to 154 pounds removes some of the weight cut demands, but after three years away the immediate question is timing and punch resistance once the rounds start.
Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) enters the fight working through his own rebuild at junior middleweight. He lost the WBO title to Sebastian Fundora in March 2024, was knocked out by Bakhram Murtazaliev during another title attempt, and later dropped a second fight to Fundora while trying to regain position in the division.
There has also been movement outside the ring. Tszyu recently split from trainer Igor Goloubev and manager Glen Jennings, with legal proceedings active in New South Wales.
Spence’s situation in the corner remains unclear as well. Longtime trainer Derrick James has filed a lawsuit in Texas seeking more than $5 million in alleged unpaid fees, with trial scheduled for March 24.
Tszyu fights behind steady pressure, resetting his feet and working the body to keep opponents engaged in exchanges. His compact hooks and straight rights force fighters to answer back once he steps inside.
Spence built his career on disciplined jab work and heavy body punching. When he establishes the jab early, he can break opponents down with combinations downstairs and a steady workrate over the rounds.
If Spence struggles to establish distance early after the long layoff, Tszyu will close range and test him at close quarters. If Tszyu marches forward without tightening his defense, Spence’s straight left and body shots can slow the pace.
The result will shape the contender order at 154 pounds. The winner moves back into the championship conversation in a division still led by Sebastian Fundora.