Tim Tszyu calls boxing superstar Errol Spence a ‘punk’ as one of the Aussie’s backers dares the world champ to bet $50,000 he’ll lose title fight to Tony Harrison
Tim Tszyu has branded boxing star Errol Spence a ‘punk’ just days before his world title showdown against Tony Harrison in Sydney.
Tszyu (21-0, 15KO) is attempting to emulate his father Kostya in becoming world champion with victory over Harrison (29-3-1, 21KO) to claim the interim WBO super-welterweight belt at Qudos Bank Arena.
Spence, the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, is one of a host of US boxers to have publicly backed Harrison ahead of the fight.
Former two-division world champion Shakur Stevenson has also tipped his compatriot to beat Tszyu on Sunday.
In January, Spence suggested he would bet $10,000 on Harrison, who goes into the fight as the underdog.
Tim Tszyu has branded boxing star Errol Spence a ‘punk’ just days before his world title showdown against Tony Harrison
Spence, the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, believes Harrison will upset the odds and beat Tszyu in Sydney on Sunday in their world title showdown
Tszyu (left) and Harrison (right) will square off at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney for the interim WBO super-welterweight title
But Tszyu brushed off Spence’s boastful claims of Harrison causing an upset.
‘The guy’s a punk – that’s why,’ the Australian told Fox Sports when asked why he felt the 33-year-old had backed his fellow American.
‘And remember, this is the same person who also said Terrell Gausha was going to beat me in my last fight too. So what happened there Errol?’
While Tszyu isn’t concerned by Spence’s sledging, he admitted being surprised by the American’s animosity towards him.
‘I’ve never said anything bad about the bloke whatsoever,’ he continued.
‘But for some reason, he just doesn’t like me.
‘He’s Team America, I guess — that’s how they are.
‘But these punks, they will all be put on notice. I’ve got a long future ahead of me and I’ll pin-point all of them one by one.’
Stevenson is also confident Harrison can cause an upset in Sydney on Sunday.
‘Tony Harrison is going to beat him [Tszyu],’ the former WBO featherweight and super featherweight world champion said.
‘I don’t think that Tim dude is that good.
In January, Spence said he was willing to bet $10,000 on Harrison winning the title
Former two-division champion Shakur Stevenson has also backed Harrison to win
‘As long as Tony don’t get caught with a good shot [that would] hurt him, wobble him or get him out there […] it’s hard for anyone to beat Tony Harrison when he’s on his A game.’
Meanwhile, Sydney boxing manager Pete Mitrevski said he was willing to take up Spence’s bet and offered to raise the stake five-fold.
Mitrevski said he was prepared to bet $20,000 on the fight, adding that Spence ‘quickly disappeared’ after his counter offer as he ‘wants no part of that bet’.
‘But now in fight week, I’m willing to go up to $50,000,’ he said, adding he had spoken with bookmakers PalmerBet who were ‘happy to take on Spence for whatever he wants to have on Harrison.’
