Legendary trainer Teddy Atlas has considered the “question marks” that surround Errol Spence Jr ahead of his ring return against Tim Tszyu.
The 36-year-old has not fought since July 2023, back when he suffered a ninth-round stoppage defeat in his undisputed welterweight encounter with Terence Crawford.
Not only has he incurred three years of inactivity, but many feel that Spence has never been the same fighter since his life-threatening car crash in 2019.
In addition to all of this, ‘The Truth’ has successfully requested a 2lb increase after originally agreeing to face Tszyu at a catchweight of 158lbs.
As a result, many are doubtful that Spence will turn back the clock and defeat his more active opponent at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena, Australia, this weekend.
At the same time, Tszyu has hardly set the world alight in recent performances, with two of his last five fights resulting in brutal stoppage defeats to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev.
That said, Hall of Famer Atlas is backing the Australian to emerge victorious, saying on his YouTube channel that there is too much uncertainty attached to Spence’s comeback.
“The naturally smaller man, who is moving up, is requesting a little change [in weight]. That’s a little concerning.
“I’d love to pick Spence. But being at home, and with Tszyu being active … there’s too many question marks about Spence.
“Even with the flaws in [Tszyu], I know what I’m getting. I think that would probably be enough to favour Tszyu.”
While Spence should be applauded for taking on such an established opponent, many have questioned whether Tszyu is the wisest choice following his three years of inactivity.
