Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence Jr. both successfully hit the 159-pound limit for their much-anticipated showdown at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney on Sunday. Tszyu, carrying the hopes of Australia, enters the fight with a professional record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 18 knockouts. Spence holds a record of 28 wins, 1 loss, and 22 knockouts.
For Tszyu, the bout represents a significant opportunity to rebound after three world title losses in the United States. The former WBO world super-welterweight champion acknowledged the high stakes, stating that his career could be on the line if he loses.
Spence, whose sole professional defeat came against Terence Crawford, is also looking to maintain his legacy. "Pressure is something you create in your mind. It's a mentality," Spence said. "This ain't no pressure. This ain't going to make me as a guy, fighting another man."
The undercard suffered a significant disruption when Liam Wilson's world title eliminator bout against Stephen Fulton was canceled. Fulton failed to make weight, reportedly tipping the scales at 139.5 pounds, nearly 10 pounds over the initially agreed-upon super-featherweight limit of 130 pounds. Officials had previously adjusted the weight to 133 pounds for the bout.
Wilson's team expressed dismay, with manager Glenn Jennings calling the situation "unacceptable" and a "blight on the sport." Wilson himself stated he had done everything correctly on his end and was devastated by the missed opportunity for a potential world title shot.
This marks the second co-main event cancellation on the card. Earlier in the week, American boxer Jermall Charlo was denied a visa to face Australian fighter Koen Mazoudier. Undefeated Olympian Paulo Aokuso is now set to move to the main card, facing Luis Tejeda in a light-heavyweight bout.