Spence vs. Tszyu

Spence vs Tszyu Afterpay Arena Sydney Olympic Park DAZN PBC Card Preview

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

(130-30-9) Prediction record (7-4) in Feature Bouts

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Sydney, Australia (July 25th, 2026)– DAZN Pay-Per-View, Ultimate Tier, and Premier Boxing Champions will present an exciting action-packed pay-per-view six bouts card of professional boxing on Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, at Afterpay Arena Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia, featuring the comeback of former World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation World Welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., after three years of absence from the ring, against former World Boxing Organisation World Super Welterweight champion Tim Tszyu, fought at middleweight in a high stakes titular elimination bout.

This reporter is picking Spence, 28-1 with 22 knockouts, DeSoto, Texas, to win by a close unanimous decision in a hard-fought technical and tactical bout. Spence, age 36, a 5’9″ southpaw with 72 inches of reach, has a slight height and reach edge over Tszyu, age 31, who at 5’8 ½” with 70 ½ inches of reach, which is critical in this high-stakes technical duel, fought on Tszyu’s Australian territory. World Welterweight champion Devin Haney beat George Kambosos Jr. twice in 2022 by unanimous decision in Melbourne, Australia, so the bout is winnable on the cards by Spence. However, like Haney, Spence will have to deliver a convincing and clear-cut technical performance to win on the cards in enemy territory.

Odds have Spence is at 5/6 -125 to -130, while Tszyu is at 21/20+100 to + 110. Tszyu has been active but is only 3-3 in his last six fights. The major question is how both men will fare at the higher 158 pounds agreed-upon middleweight catchweight limit. In this reporter’s view, neither fighter belongs in the higher weight class, and both should lose the weight and go back down in weight class where they truly belong. The bout was originally contracted for 154 pounds, raising questions on both sides. The extra weight benefits neither man.

Spence has to use his superior jab and solid guard defense to work from the outside, frustrate Tszyu, and outpoint Tszyu without taking chances. Spence could stop Tszyu from the seventh round on, if he can establish his jab with command and land consistently. New Spence trainer Ronnie Shields will have to get his student to cut off the ring while demonstrating superior mobility and maneuverability. Tszyu has to get inside with his smaller frame, and if he cannot, the night could be shorter than predicted. Age, physical conditioning, and stamina are all major factors. In recent 2024 stoppage losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu took major damage, and cuts could prove pivotal to the cause of Spence in a long, drawn-out affair which could devolve into a brutal slugfest.

Spence had surgery for a detached and torn retina in the left eye in 2021 due to his 2019 car accident, an injured rib against Terence Crawford in 2023, and cataract surgery on the right eye in 2024. What version of Spence appears will determine the outcome of this bout. If Spence has healed and is whole, a lopsided stoppage will result. Whatever the result, this reporter feels Spence versus Tszyu, however Spence wins, will not be a close bout. Like Daniel Geale, Tszyu is a homegrown boxer with a fighting father, but falls short against world-class opposition.

Afterpay Arena Sydney Olympic Park Undercard Predictions

23-2 former world champion Stephen Fulton is predicted to win by stoppage over 18-3 Liam Wilson in a lightweight contest scheduled for 12 rounds.

Paul Fleming is predicted to win by 10-round decision over Ahmad Reda in a lightweight contest. 8-0 prospect Reda is 23 years old. Fleming, age 38, 28-1-2, despite his record and experience, has not won a bout in nearly four and a half years, but has the edge in ring generalship and experience.

7-0 Callum Peters is predicted to win by 10-round decision over 13-0 Ivan Ricardo Actis in a middleweight contest.

12-0-1 Luis Antonio Tejeda is predicted to win by 10-round decision over 10-0 Paolo Aokuso in a vacant International Boxing Federation Inter-Continental light heavyweight regional title contest.

Muslim Paris 2024 Olympic Games female quarter-finalist Tina Rahimi, in the opening bout, is predicted to win by four-round decision in her pro debut over 2-2 Sasha Ryan Dryden.

34-0 former World Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo was denied a visa to enter Australia and fight on the card. In terms of character Requirements, Australia enforces strict entry rules under Section 501 of its Migration Act, which allows authorities to refuse visas based on an applicant’s criminal history and/ or legal history. Legal reports linked the denial to Charlo’s past legal troubles in the United States, which included his plea of guilty in June 2026 to driving while intoxicated and property damage charges stemming from a May 2024 car accident in Texas

Former Unified Champion Errol Spence Jr. &

Australian Superstar Tim Tszyu Meet In Pivotal Showdown Saturday, July 25 Headlining PBC Pay-Per-View Event Available LIVE on Prime Video and DAZN

(9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Australia

Click HERE for Photos from No Limit Boxing

Click HERE For Press Conference Replay via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – July 24, 2026 – Former unified world champion and pound-for-pound great Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu went face to face again at the final press conference before their showdown that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video and DAZN this Saturday, July 25 (U.S. date and time) from Afterpay Arena in Sydney Australia.

The press conference also included fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and Australian former title challenger Liam Wilson, who battle in the co-main event.

Also facing off at the press conference were undefeated prospect Ahmad Reda and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming, who meet in a 10-round lightweight attraction, and undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters and fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis, who kick off the pay-per-view live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round middleweight clash.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com and DAZN.

 

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what fighters had to say Thursday night U.S. time at the final press conference:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m feeling great. Sydney has been great to me. I’m happy to be here and ready to put on a great show.

“I’m gonna get the best Tim Tszyu. He’s been training hard and he’s extremely focused. He knows his back is against the wall. So he’s gotta come with it all.

“He says he’s gonna press me and put his will on me. That’s his style. I’m gonna be one of the best versions of me. I’m focused and I’ve been training hard. I’m ready to go.

“I don’t think he’s gonna be reckless, but he’s definitely gonna come at me and try to force his will on me.

“Everybody comes in there to hurt the other guy. My plan is always to impose my will, beat them up and hopefully stop them. If the opportunity is there, I’m definitely gonna take it.

“I see his mentality. He’s coming in no holds barred and ready to fight. He’s the pride of Australia and he’s coming to defend it.

“There are definitely a lot of questions about how I’m gonna come back. I’m ready and I’ve been training hard. There’s no pressure on me, because I’m not trying to prove something to anybody. I’m looking to prove to myself that I still have it.

“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. If you’ve seen my fights, you know that’s what I do. He’s always in entertaining fights, so it makes for a perfect clash. I see myself being victorious.

“I’m gonna put on a great show. We’re gonna both come to fight and I guarantee you it’s gonna end early.”

TIM TSZYU

“This is a big occasion for Australia. We’ve got a great boxing history and we’re still growing and I’m glad to be representing this nation in a U.S. vs. Australia event like this.

“Compared to going to Las Vegas, being this close to home is refreshing. I definitely feel the love from the Australian public and I’m blessed to be in this position.

“Years ago I remember watching Spence while I was fighting at small venues. Here we are years later and I get to do what I’ve always wanted. I get to fight a legend who’s come to Australia. I’ve got super confidence that I’m gonna beat him.

“Errol is Errol. He does things his own way. I respect what he’s done and achieved, but there comes times in people’s journey where they’ve had enough. I think I’ve picked the right time to face Errol. But he’s supremely confident, so this should be a good fight.

“I want to punch him everywhere as hard as I can. It’s not personal, but of course I want to make this his last fight. Of course.

“When the timing is right, it’s right. I feel like this is the perfect timing for a perfect story. I’ve had my failures in my career, but I’ve always been able to bounce back and keep grinding. It’s the pursuit of achieving something hard. I think this is the biggest test of my life since I was a young kid. I’ve always fought for a moment like this.

“This doesn’t feel like a normal fight. This is a Super Bowl fight for me. I hope he’s feeling the same thing, because when we collide, it’s gonna be a great fight for the fans.

“We’ve got two stars that have attributes that should make this an incredible fight. I’m coming to make a fight that people will be talking about for years and years to come.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“I’m still gonna be a dog in that ring. I know that he’s gonna come to fight. I don’t see anything special. I’m just ready.

“I’m ready to get down and dirty. I want to rumble. We’re gonna make this a fight.”

LIAM WILSON

“I’ve prepared for the best version of Fulton and I hope that he’s prepared for the best version of me. I’m ready for whoever, wherever.

“As a young kid I’ve always imagined myself in these big fights. To have a top fighter on my resume like Stephen Fulton, it means the world to me.

“I can get out of bed for any fight, but this is a really big one. Just make sure you tune in and see what I’m gonna do.”

AHMAD REDA

“I’ve had the best preparation of my career and I can’t wait to get into the ring. At the end of the day, the talk doesn’t matter. We’re gonna jump in that ring and he’s gonna get knocked out.

“I’m prettier than this guy, I’ve got a better mullet, I’m faster than him, I’m stronger than him, how’s he gonna beat me? He’s running on old legs. He’s got no chance.”

PAUL FLEMING

“It’s all fun and games right now. Ahmad has to have a little bit of animosity to get himself motivated. If he wants to talk, I’ll talk too. Let’s have some fun.

“This is gonna be a cracker, that’s for sure. I’ve never been in a boring fight and so far he hasn’t as well. He’s never been in there with someone as experienced as me. He’s got a different opponent in front of me.

“Let’s get it done brother. I wish you all the best, but you’re out of your league.”

CALLUM PETERS

“I’m super excited to be on this amazing card. It’s a tremendous opportunity. I feel at home in the ring and I can’t wait to show what I can do.

“I’m always in front of you and making you think of what you’re gonna do next. If you’re not thinking, you make mistakes and you get caught. I want to put you in the red zone and make you uncomfortable.

“I’m thinking I’m gonna get an early stoppage with a body shot. Specifically to the liver. I’ve been training all my life on that shot. It’s a hard shot to come back from.”

IVAN ACTIS

“He’s making a big mistake. I’m a tough opponent and I’m not coming here to waste my time.

“I feel very strong and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to represent Argentina on a huge stage. I’m a fighter who likes to come forward and show what I can do.”

FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION ERROL SPENCE JR. &

AUSTRALIAN SUPERSTAR TIM TSZYU MEET TOMORROW SATURDAY, JULY 25 HEADLINING PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT AVAILABLE LIVE ON

PRIME VIDEO AND DAZN (9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT)

FROM AUSTRALIA

STEPHEN FULTON JR. VS. LIAM WILSON FIGHT OFF OF SPENCE VS. TSZYU CARD; BATTLE BETWEEN UNBEATEN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS PAULO AOKUSO & LUIS ANTONIO TEJEDA ADDED TO PPV LINEUP

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – July 24, 2026 – The previously scheduled Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Liam Wilson bout has been removed from tomorrow night’s Spence vs. Tszyu card and will be replaced by a battle between unbeaten light heavyweights as Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso meets Luis Antonio Tejeda in the 10-round opening bout of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video and DAZN from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia.

 

As a result of the changes to the card, there will be no streaming presentation of PBC Prelims prior to the pay-per-view card, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Following the opening bout between Aokuso and Tejeda will be undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters entering the ring for a 10-round middleweight clash against fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis, which precedes an intriguing duel between undefeated rising prospect Ahmad Reda and veteran contender and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming in 10-rounds of lightweight action.

 

These three fights lead up to the return of former unified three-belt world champion and pound-for-pound great Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. as he faces Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu in a pivotal showdown that puts the winner in prime position to return to world title glory.

 

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com and DAZN.

 

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.

 

**PAULO AOKUSO VS. LUIS ANTONIO TEJEDA**

After representing Australia at the 2020 Olympics, Aukuso (10-0, 5 KOs) has shown his huge potential against a series of more experienced pro competitors since his April 2022 pro debut. Amongst the 29-year-old’s early triumphs are longtime contender Yuniesky Gonzalez and the previously unbeaten Shukhrat Abdullaev. Most recently, Aokuso scored a victory in PBC action in April, as he stopped Kittipong Jian Hao Ho.

 

The 27-year-old Tejeda (12-0-1, 9 KOs) will fight for the first time outside of his native Dominican Republic on July 25, as the El Seibo native steps up to this battle of unbeatens. Tejeda has fought professionally since 2023 and enters this fight having stopped four of his last five opponents. His last outing saw him earn a fourth-round knockout of Vikensi Mateo in February.

ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. TIM TSZYU OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & WEIGH-IN PHOTOS

Former Unified Champion Errol Spence Jr. &

Australian Superstar Tim Tszyu Meet In Pivotal Showdown Saturday, July 25 Headlining PBC Pay-Per-View Event Available LIVE on Prime Video and DAZN

(9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Australia

Click HERE for Photos from No Limit Boxing

(Photos to be added shortly)

Click HERE For Weigh-In Replay via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – July 24, 2026 – Former unified world champion and pound-for-pound great Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu went face to face for the final time after hitting the scale at the weigh-in before their showdown that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video and DAZN this Saturday, July 25 (U.S. date and time) from Afterpay Arena in Sydney Australia.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated prospect Ahmad Reda and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming meeting in a 10-round lightweight attraction, undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters battling fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis in a 10-round middleweight clash and unbeaten light heavyweights squaring off as Australian Olympian Paulo Aokuso faces Luis Antonio Tejeda in the 10-round opening bout.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com and DAZN.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here are the official weights for the four pay-per-view bouts:

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu – 12 rounds, Middleweight

Spence – 159 lbs

Tszyu – 159 lbs

Ahmad Reda vs. Paul Fleming, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Reda – 134½ lbs

Fleming – 133¼ lbs

Callum Peters vs. Ivan Actis, 10 rounds, Middleweight

Peters – 159 lbs

Actis – 159¾ lbs

Paulo Aokuso vs. Luis Antonio Tejeda, 10 rounds, Light Heavyweight

Aokuso – 174½ lbs

Tejeda – 173¼ lbs

ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. TIM TSZYU MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

“Everybody is gonna get their money’s worth…You’re gonna be on the edge of your seat.” – Spence

“This is our land and we’re gonna defend it.” – Tszyu

Former Unified Champion Errol Spence Jr. &

Australian Superstar Tim Tszyu Meet In Pivotal Showdown Saturday, July 25 Headlining PBC Pay-Per-View Event Available LIVE on Prime Video and DAZN

(9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Australia

Click HERE for Photos from No Limit Boxing

Click HERE Workouts Replay via the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube Channel

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – July 23, 2026 – Former unified world champion and pound-for-pound great Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu showed off their skills during the official fight week media workout and previewed their showdown that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video and DAZN this Saturday, July 25 (U.S. date and time) from Afterpay Arena in Sydney Australia.

The media workout also included fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including Australian former title challenger Liam Wilson, who battles two-division world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event.

Also working out were undefeated prospect Ahmad Reda and Australian Olympian Paul Fleming, who meet in a 10-round lightweight attraction and undefeated rising Australian Olympian Callum Peters, who kicks off the pay-per-view live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round middleweight clash fellow unbeaten Ivan Actis.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, as well as PPV.com and DAZN.

 

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what fighters had to say Wednesday night U.S. time from the media workout:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I know that this is gonna be a tough, grueling fight. Tim is gonna push me past my limits when we get in there.

“This feels similar to when I went over to England to fight Kell Brook. The mentality doesn’t change at all. It’s me versus him and it’s everything on the line. The hunger is still there and I’m still here to show everyone that Errol Spence is still here.

“I know that Tim is coming with everything. He’s a strong fighter who’s gonna keep pressing forward. He’s gonna give everything he has. He’s relentless. I know it’s gonna be a hard fight.

“I’m feeling great. I needed that time off to let everything heal. I wouldn’t have come back if I wasn’t feeling great.

“There’s no animosity at all. I’m just here to do a job come fight night. I’m gonna do what I have to do.

“Everybody is gonna get their money’s worth. It’s gonna be a great fight and very entertaining. You’re gonna be on the edge of your seat.”

TIM TSZYU

“This is iconic under the harbor bridge with all my Sydney fans. It’s a good feeling to be back on this stage. This is our land and we’re gonna defend it.

“I just want to get in there and do my job, and that’s to fight. I’m the underdog and I’ve been treated that way. That’s alright. I’m here to do the job and fight night and make Australia proud.

“It’s gonna be electric. It’s something that not every fighter gets to experience and I’m lucky to be in this position.

“I don’t have much to say to Errol at this point. I want my hands to do the talking. I know he’s taken a few things personally, but there’s nothing personal to me. I stand by my words. I want to do damage and hurt him.

“I just want to get in there and smack him. He’s gonna come throw a lot of punches and he seems ready. He looks strong.

“I want to see how bad he wants it. We’ll see how he reacts to getting hit and take it from there. I have to set the pace early.

“Everyone knows what I bring. I bring action and I bring the fight in. I’m not here to tippy and tap. We’re here to fight and may the best man win.”

LIAM WILSON

“I’m feeling rather sharp. We’re taking over and ready to show what we can do on fight night.

“I hope he’s prepared well. I’m here to put on a show for everyone. It’s a one man mission right here.

“I’m here focused on my job. I have to win against a tough competitor. He’s been around the block, so I know this is nothing new for him.

“I’m focused on myself. What happens on his side of the fence is his problem. It’ll all show on fight night.

“I just know that I have the will to win. Fight fans around the world are gonna see that. I’m gonna win this fight.”

AHMAD REDA

“I know I’m the one, and he knows it too. There’s levels to this. He’s gonna see. He’s going to sleep.

“I’m feeling great. The energy is here. I can’t wait to smash him on fight night.

“He’s too old, he’s too slow. He’s not and he’s got nothing on me. Just tell me a round and I’ll get him out of there.

“This means the world to me. I’m putting on for my community and I can’t wait to represent.”

PAUL FLEMING

“We’re getting eager to get in there and put a boxing lesson on this boy.

“Wherever we are in Australia is my home. I’m a native man, I’m a proud man and we’re gonna put on a show.

“I’ve got respect for him, but he’s never been in there with someone like me. I’m one of one and everyone is gonna see on fight night. Let’s see if he can box.”

CALLUM PETERS

“Actis looks fast. He looks relaxed and not too tensed up. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the ring. I want those good hard fights so that everyone knows how far I can push myself. He looks ready to bring a war.

“The mission is the liver shot or solar plexus. That’s how we’re looking to end it.

“I know this is gonna be a great fight card. I just want everyone to be at their best in the ring and give everyone a great show.”

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].