Fight For Relevance: Spence says Tszyu doesn’t “matter”

By Norm Frauenheim

Errol Spence Jr. arrived in Sydney to a friendly welcome this week despite mounting hostility before opening bell against Tim Tszyu, who might want to introduce Spence to a hungry crocodile.

Since their fight was announced in early May, Spence has refused to shake Tszyu’s hand, was a no-show for a virtual appearance alongside Tszyu on an Australian talk show and then decided he wanted to change the weight months after it was written into the contract.

What’s next?

Tszyu must wonder.

Ten days before the bout, Spence was greeted by a traditional Aboriginal ceremony amid news that he would fight at 160 pounds, middleweight, instead of the contracted catchweight, 158.

That raised questions about whether he was having trouble making weight for his first fight since a devastating loss at welterweight to Terence Crawford three years ago.

Nope, Spence said.

“No reasoning at all,’’ Spence told Aussie television crews after his 15-hour flight.

No reason is perhaps the only way to explain Spence’s dismissive words and moves since the fight was scheduled for the last Saturday in July.

For Tszyu, there’s no excuse. He and his trainer, former bantam and featherweight great Jeff Fenech, are increasingly angry at what they say is an insulting lack of respect.

The proud Tszyu had no problem with the new weight. Couple of pounds here,

couple of pounds there? For Tszyu, there’s a ton of motivation to silence Spence in what is a chance to resurrect his career in his homeland.

“I just don’t want any excuses,” Tszyu told The Ring. “I want him here, refreshed, rejuvenated, make sure he’s not struggling with weight, make sure everything’s on point, because I wanna beat up the best Errol Spence.”

In dissing Tszyu, Spence, whose skillset has never included diplomacy, has said what many think after losses to Sebastian Fundora.

“I don’t give a bleep what Tszyu says,’’ said Spence, who continued to amplify the stakes for Tszyu for the media that welcomed him to Sydney. “He’s just another fighter to me. He doesn’t matter.’’

Only Tszyu can prove that he does.