American boxer Errol Spence Jr. has dismissed Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech, the trainer for his upcoming opponent Tim Tszyu, stating he has never heard of him. Spence arrived in Sydney for the highly anticipated world title fight, where his unfamiliarity with Fenech became a talking point.
"Who?" Spence responded when asked about Fenech. "I never heard of him. I don't know who he is. First time I heard of him was when they said he was being Tim Tszyu's trainer. I don't know him at all. I don't know him as a trainer or as a fighter, but he's gonna do what's best for Tim."
Fenech, a former three-division world champion, has had a tumultuous period in his coaching career. He was recently criticized by fellow Australian boxer Anthony Mundine, who questioned Fenech's coaching record. Fenech responded sharply to Mundine's remarks.
Tszyu's own team has seen significant changes. He parted ways with long-time manager Glen Jennings and coach Igor Goloubev last year, briefly working with Pedro Diaz before linking up with Fenech.
Spence also addressed criticism from Tszyu regarding his decision to forgo a warm-up fight in preparation for their bout. Tszyu labeled Spence arrogant for not taking a tune-up match.
"He can say whatever he want to say," Spence told Code Sports. "He gotta be vocal, he trying to promote the fight. I don't think I'm arrogant not taking a warm up fight. I don't take warm up fights. I didn't take a warm up fight for Yordenis Ugas. I didn't take a warm up fight for Danny Garcia. I didn't take a warm up fight for Kell Brook. I ain't taking a warm up fight for anybody, and I ain't taking a warm up fight for Tim Tszyu."
The boxing superstar, who arrived in Sydney after a near-miss with immigration due to a clerical error on his paperwork, seemed relaxed despite the pre-fight exchanges. He participated in a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony upon his arrival, which he described as a positive experience.
Spence is currently involved in a legal dispute with his former trainer, Derrick James, with James claiming over $5 million in unpaid training fees. Spence is seeking declaratory relief, asserting he has fully paid their agreement.
The title fight between Tszyu and Spence is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 26.