Despite the concerns over Errol’s lengthy three-year absence from the ring, Shakur believes the former unified welterweight champion still has what it takes to defeat Tszyu.
“I think (Spence) is going to do well. I wish Errol the best; I hope Errol goes in there and beats Tim Tszyu,” Shakur told Andre Ward’s channel.
“I’m an Errol Spence fan; I was cool with Errol Spence before that (Terence Crawford) fight. I know Errol is mentally tough. Errol is a dog when it comes to fighting, so I don’t think Tim Tszyu can beat him.”
Spence has not fought since suffering a ninth-round knockout to Crawford in July 2023, a loss that cost him his WBC, WBA and IBF welterweight titles. The 36-year-old is now looking to revive his career in a new weight class after nearly three years away from competition.
Tszyu, meanwhile, enters the bout with renewed momentum after a difficult time in 2024. The former WBO junior middleweight champion bounced back from setbacks against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev with back-to-back wins to put himself back in position for another marquee fight.
Shakur has previously expressed confidence in Spence’s chances against Tszyu, but his latest comments suggest he remains convinced the Texan’s experience, mentality and overall ability will be decisive on July 25.
The match represents one of the biggest tests of Spence’s career. While Tszyu is looking for the signature win that could redefine his position as a junior middleweight, Errol will be looking to show that he can still compete at the highest level after a long period of inactivity.
