Is Tim Tszyu Over-Training For Spence?

Tim Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs) believes Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) has miscalculated by pushing Sunday’s fight to 160 pounds, with the Australian revealing that his bruising training camp has left sparring partners bloodied.

Spence initially agreed to a catchweight of 158 pounds before requesting a further two-pound increase less than two weeks before the fight. Tszyu accepted without hesitation, in part, he suggested, because of what he has been doing in the gym.

“While I don’t really like talking about sparring, I will say the best thing is that I haven’t been getting hit. There’s been a lot of blood … and none of it mine,” Tszyu

The details filtering out of camp support that account. One sparring partner was cut and sent home after a handful of rounds. Another was advised to switch to a nosebar headgear to limit further damage. The weight concession may prove significant beyond this fight alone.

Tszyu has confirmed he is leaving the super welterweight division permanently. The removal of a punishing weight cut allows him to carry more power than at any point in his career.

“Because of the weight I drop to make super welterweight, I haven’t been able to carry the power. But now this time around? There is a real difference,” Tszyu

Should Tszyu beat Spence on Sunday, a shot at WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara is already being discussed as the next step. The fight is available in several countries outside the United States on FIGHT SPORTS MAX — details at FIGHTSPORTSMAX.tv.