In a newly released conversation, former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. (pictured) and Australian former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu exchanged verbal jabs in a special edition of PBC Face to Face ahead of their PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime Video and DAZN on Saturday, July 25th from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia. The full conversation is available on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel and opens with Spence and Tszyu discussing the tense moment when Spence declined to shake Tszyu's hand during their announcement press conference. "I respect him, but we're gearing up for war," said Spence. "I'm coming into his home country. He's looking to retire me, and I'm looking to disappoint him and his fans. I'll shake his hand after the fight, but right now it's time to go."

 

"If we're going to play like that, it's alright," responded Tszyu. "Everyone's different. I get it. I'm fine with that. It's not war yet, but it will be on fight night. It made me a little less happy and a little more focused. I'm locked in."

 

Asked by host, former champion Shawn Porter, why he chose Tszyu for his return after a three-year absence, Spence said the challenge—and doing it in Australia—made the fight impossible to pass up. "This fight came at the perfect moment," said Spence. "This was the first time I started training continuously and kept waking up every day feeling like I was ready to come back. I didn't want a tune-up, so when Tim Tszyu got brought up, I said I'd fight him in Australia. That's what I do. We've been doing it since the amateurs. This is nothing new to me. I enjoy it. I love hearing the fans boo. I'm ready for it."

 

When asked why he wouldn't ease back into competition after three years away, Spence remained adamant that he performs best when facing elite opposition. "I want to fight someone people doubt I can beat. That's what motivates me. They have to ask whether I'm still the same killer. I'm coming to prove to myself and everybody else that I still belong at the top."

 

Tszyu said he now refers to himself as the "Phoenix" as he looks to rise from recent setbacks and reestablish himself among boxing's elite. He also emphasized the opportunity to deliver the biggest victory of his career in front of his home fans.

 

"Every fight is do or die," said Tszyu. "With everything I've gone through and the position I'm in now, this is a real spread-your-wings-and-fly moment. I intend to grab it with both hands. I've fought on the stages I dreamed about as a little kid. Now we're bringing what I believe is the biggest boxing match ever held in Australia. That's another proud moment, but the biggest moment will be winning this fight."

 

Both fighters also enter the bout with new trainers. Spence has joined forces with Ronnie Shields, while Tszyu has teamed with Australian former three-division champion Jeff Fenech. Each believes the change has added new dimensions to an already accomplished skill set. "I feel like I'm in school when I'm working with Ronnie," said Spence. "I'm learning a lot. It gets me excited to get back in the gym every day. I'd been doing the same thing for 15 years. By the second day, I knew I was sticking with him."

 

"Over the years I've learned a lot of different things," said Tszyu. "As Spence said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That's why I changed my team. I'm learning new things with Jeff, but I'm bringing everything I've learned throughout my boxing life into this fight."

 

The interview concluded with another tense exchange after Porter asked whether each believed his opponent was ready. Spence answered yes, while Tszyu replied, "We shall see..." prompting Spence to accuse him of being dismissive.

 

"You know how I come," said Spence before challenging Tszyu to an impromptu sparring session.

 

"When it comes to fight night, all the plans change when you get hit," said Tszyu. "I respect everything you've accomplished, but you haven't fought in three years. How can I honestly say I know you're ready?"

 

The verbal sparring continued through the closing moments of the interview, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive showdown on July 25th.

 

"Just be ready," said Spence. "I'm looking forward to coming to Australia and disappointing you and your fans."

 

"Good. Talk is cheap," replied Tszyu. "I'll let my actions do the talking."