Errol Spence Jr. is entering one of the biggest fights of his career with a new voice in his corner and he believes the change could make all the difference. The former unified welterweight champion returns to the ring on July 26 when he faces former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu in a 158-pound catchweight bout at Afterpay Arena in New South Wales, Australia. The event will stream live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
After spending virtually his entire boxing career under longtime trainer Derrick James, Spence is now preparing for his comeback under veteran coach Ronnie Shields.
Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) had one of boxing’s longest-running trainer-fighter relationships with Derrick James, dating back to his amateur days. That partnership ended following his ninth-round stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in their undisputed welterweight championship clash in July 2023.
Now, with Shields guiding his camp, Spence says the difference has been dramatic.
“I’ve been feeling good. Training hard. Super focused,” Spence said. “I’ve been listening to my coach Ronnie Shields and leaving no stone unturned. I love Ronnie’s style. Love how he implements game plans. It’s been night and day from fights that I’ve had.”
Studying Tszyu’s Weaknesses
While Spence has been rebuilding his own career, Tszyu has experienced a turbulent stretch inside the ring.
The Australian (27-3, 18 KOs) has fought seven times since Spence last competed, winning twice but also suffering three defeats, including stoppage losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Spence admits he has studied those setbacks closely.
“I’ve noticed his losses,” Spence said. “I definitely see the weaknesses and the openings.”
Coaching Changes on Both Sides
Interestingly, both fighters enter the bout with new trainers. After working briefly with renowned Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz, Tszyu recently reunited with Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech in hopes of revitalizing his career.
Spence expects Fenech to introduce adjustments to Tszyu’s style but believes the outcome could look familiar if the former world champion falls back into old habits.
“He has a new coach now and I think they’re going to change the game plan up a little bit,” Spence said. “If not, I think it might go the same way as his other fights where he gets stopped.”
The July 26 showdown carries enormous implications. For Spence, it’s an opportunity to prove he remains one of boxing’s elite fighters after nearly three years away from competition.
For Tszyu, it’s another chance to revive his championship aspirations against one of the biggest names in the sport. With both men entering the fight under new trainers and looking to reinvent themselves, the matchup represents more than just a comeback it could determine which former champion remains a legitimate force in boxing’s loaded junior middleweight division.
When the opening bell rings in Australia, fans will find out whether Spence’s new partnership with Ronnie Shields truly delivers the “night and day” difference he believes it already has.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
