“I went back and forth with him, and I felt like I wasn’t disrespectful. It’s a fight,” Spence told reporters during Wednesday’s media workout when asked about the exchange.
Former unified welterweight champion Spence said he took exception to the comments Tszyu made before the tap-down and felt it made a friendly gesture unnecessary.
“I heard something he said that he was going to do me like Fundora did Keith Thurman. Just talked a whole bunch of shit, and then he expected me to come shake his hand. And I wasn’t in the mood for that.”
Rather than smooth things over, Spence, 36, believes both fighters should embrace the animosity heading into the fight Amazon Prime Video PPV.
“It’s time to fight. We’re in a tough fight. He said it was going to be a war, so let it be,” Errol said.
Despite the friction, Spence made it clear that he respects Tszyu’s ability inside the ring.
“He’s good. He’s cool.”
The match represents a huge test for both fighters. Spence returns after nearly three years out of the ring and moves up in weight, while Tszyu looks to prove he remains among the division’s elite after rebuilding from back-to-back losses.
