Errol Spence Jr has been given further motivation to defeat Tim Tszyu, knowing a potentially more lucrative opportunity could be presented to the winner of their upcoming showdown.
The two former world champions will square off in Australia on July 25, with Tszyu claiming a home advantage as he looks to re-join the world scene.
In order to do so, the 31-year-old must defeat a credible opponent and prove that, despite losing three of his last six fights, he remains one of the world’s top super-welterweights.
Ideally, he would be facing Spence at 154lbs but, given his opponent’s three-year layoff, Tszyu ultimately agreed to meet at a catchweight of 158lbs.
Prior to his lengthy hiatus, Spence lost his WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles to Terence Crawford, who defeated his rival with a surprisingly one-sided ninth-round stoppage.
Even before losing to ‘Bud’, though, many felt ‘The Truth’ would be better suited to 154lbs, where he plans to make his mark after triumphing over Tszyu.
If such a plan materialises, then Spence could find himself in a domestic dustup with Jermell Charlo, who has not fought since his unanimous decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023.
According to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, Charlo could equally face Tszyu if the Australian emerges victorious against Spence.
“I’m told he’s going to be lined up for the winner of [Spence-Tszyu]. Obviously, nothing’s done yet. What I’m told is that, behind the scenes, Charlo is being lined up for that fight, which will be at 154[lbs].”
Prior to facing Canelo at 168lbs, Charlo became the undisputed super-welterweight champion by dethroning Brian Castano with a 10th-round stoppage in 2022, just under a year after they boxed to a controversial draw.
The 36-year-old achieved this ambition while training under the tutelage of Derrick James, who is also the former head coach of Spence.
