Errol Spence Receives Warm Traditional Australian Welcome

Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) touched down in Australia ahead of his July 25th showdown against Tim Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs), as Spence was treated to a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony in Sydney.

The event featured eucalyptus leaves, cultural performances, and dancers in ceremonial body paint. Spence even took part in the festivities, posing with the performers while holding a ceremonial club. It was a respectful and peaceful welcome for the American star, contrasting sharply with the stressful passport issues that threatened to delay his travel earlier in the week.

The bout will now be contested at a full middleweight limit of 160 pounds. The fight was originally contracted as a 158-pound catchweight, but Team Spence requested to push the weight up to 160, as Tszyu’s camp accepted the change.

For Spence, who hasn’t stepped into the ring since his loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023, this fight represents the heaviest of his professional career. A victory over Tszyu immediately thrusts him back into the world title picture at 154 or 160 pounds.