Former Opponent of Errol Spence Reflects on Sparring, Punch Resistance, and Upcoming Australia Bout After Three-Year Hiatus

Following a recent sparring session with Errol Spence Jr., former Tim Tszyu opponent Brian Mendoza shared his perspective on the forthcoming fight.

The two are scheduled to meet in Australia on July 25 at a catch‑weight of 158 lbs. Spence, who has been off the canvas for three years after his ninth‑round stoppage loss to Terence Crawford, will be making his comeback.

When they first met at welterweight, the bout was seen as an even contest, but Crawford delivered a dominant performance and captured the undisputed 147‑lb title.

Consequently, Spence relinquished his WBC, IBF, and WBA titles, but the 36‑year‑old is now aiming to reinvent his career at a higher weight class.

Facing a fellow former world champion in Tszyu, the boxer hopes to reignite his career after a recent stretch that included three losses in his last six fights.

Initially, the Australian lost his WBO super‑welterweight championship via split decision to Sebastian Fundora in 2024, and later that year suffered a third‑round stoppage defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev.

Tszyu subsequently rematched Fundora in July 2025, only to be stopped in the seventh round; his most recent significant victory dates back to 2023 against Brian Mendoza.

“For those who believe he’s finished or merely showing up for a paycheck, he is actually training like someone who is far from complacent.

“The work ethic I observed during the weeks I spent in camp, combined with his performances inside the ring, revealed daily adjustments; he is not a fighter who simply shows up.

“I caught him with several shots on the first day of sparring; by the second day those punches were no longer landing, reminding me of his solid amateur pedigree and high‑IQ approach.

“I tested Spence’s punch resistance, and I can confidently say I landed some powerful shots; surprisingly, he responded admirably.”

Given that Tszyu has been stopped in his last two outings, Spence’s durability may prove vital should their encounter turn into a war of attrition.

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