SYDNEY SHOWDOWN: Spence and Tszyu Exchange Final Verbal Barbs; Undercard Weight Drama Unfolds at Press Conference
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Jul 2026
The final press conference ahead of Sunday morning’s international blockbuster between former unified welterweight king Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and Australian star Tim “The Phoenix” Tszyu produced a tense, icy climax at Sydney’s newly named Afterpay Arena.
With the main event set at the full 160-pound middleweight limit, both men took the stage alongside promoter George Rose and a stacked undercard to trade their final remarks before Friday’s official weigh-ins.
Spence Promises "Punishment" as Tszyu Aims for Career-Ending Stoppage
The contrast in demeanor between the two combatants was stark. Tszyu, appearing relaxed on home soil, emphasized the magnitude of the occasion while making his intentions explicitly clear.
"I've had my fails in life and in my career, but I've always been able to bounce back... Every punch, every rep, every push-up, every sit-up I've ever made is going to come out next Sunday," Tszyu declared. "I want to punch him as hard as I can in the face, in the body, every limb... I do want to make it his last fight, of course."
Spence brushed off Tszyu’s retirement threats with stoic composure, focusing instead on his own execution:
"That's what everybody plans to do... My plan's always to impose my will on my opponent and beat them up, and hopefully stop them," Spence replied. "I'm not looking to prove anything to anybody—I'm looking to prove something to myself, that I still have it."
Following the podium session, the two fighters engaged in an extended, silent face-off. Refusing once again to engage in a pre-fight handshake, Spence noted during post-press scrum interviews that any handshakes would have to wait until after the final bell on Sunday.
Co-Main Event Weight Modification: Fulton vs. Wilson Shifted to 133 Lbs
The press conference also delivered a major late-stage update for the co-main event featuring former two-division world champion Steven "Cool Boy Steph" Fulton Jr. and Queensland's Liam Wilson.
• Weight Bump Approved: Host Ben Damon and promoter George Rose revealed that the contract limit for Fulton vs. Wilson has officially been moved up to 133 pounds following a request from Fulton's camp.
• Wilson’s Reaction: Wilson took the last-minute modification in stride: "In terms of the weight, it's not my problem... I've prepared for the best version of Steven, and I fight at whatever weight it is... Let's get it on."
• Fulton’s Response: Fulton clarified that his team had requested the adjustment weeks in advance to manage a grueling cut: "It was always about it being tough, that's all... I'm still going to be a dog in that ring."
Undercard Heat: Hair-Cutting Wagers & Body-Shot Predictions
The media session kicked off with lively banter and high stakes across the lower card:
1. The Mullet Bet: In a lighthearted yet competitive exchange between super featherweights Paul Fleming and Ahmed Reda, the two agree to a high-stakes wager: the loser of their 10-round contest must cut off their signature mullet haircut.
2. 50 Cal's Liver Shot Prediction: Undefeated middleweight prospect Callum "50 Cal" Peters openly telegraphed his tactical strategy against Argentina’s Ivan Actis, predicting an early body-shot stoppage via liver shot. Actis shrugged off the prediction through a translator, warning Peters he was making a severe mistake.
3. Tina Raheem's Pro Debut: Paris 2024 Olympian Tina Raheem expressed her readiness to launch her professional career in Sunday’s opening broadcast bout against veteran Sasha Ryan Dryden.
Next Up: The Scales
With press conference duties concluded, all eyes shift to Friday’s ceremonial and official weigh-ins in Sydney. Both Spence and Tszyu are scheduled to hit the 160-pound middleweight mark, finalizing the framework for Sunday’s pay-per-view showcase.
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