The exchange happened away from the stage and cameras used for the formal face-off, giving it a different tone than a typical stare down. Tszyu appeared relaxed as he extended his hand. Spence showed no interest in getting involved.
Tszyu later responded to the rant, calling Spence a “respectful f***” following their earlier online back-and-forth.
The fight is set at a 158-pound catchweight and marks Spence’s return after nearly three years out of the ring. Tszyu has remained active and is expected to test him early.
Seeing Errol in that soldier mindset suggests he’s treating this less like a sporting competition and more like a personal mission.
By blowing off the handshake, Spence is signaling that the three-year layoff hasn’t softened his competitive edge. It is a psychological play that tells Tszyu he is not viewed as a peer or a dance partner, but as an obstacle. For a guy like Tszyu, who has been incredibly active and probably expects a rusty version of the former champion, that kind of intensity is a wake-up call.
This shifts the story from a standard comeback fight to something much more volatile. If Spence is truly caught up with that level of focus, it suggests he wants to prove he’s still the elite operator who dominated the welterweight division.
Fan reaction online was mixed, with some viewing the moment as typical pre-fight build-up while others criticized Spence for dismissing the gesture.
The clip quickly circulated and gave a lead to a promotion that already picked up after the initial press conference.
