Shawn Porter is siding with Errol Spence Jr. ahead of Spence’s July 26 showdown with Tim Tszyu in Australia, arguing that the former unified welterweight champion remains the more complete fighter even after an extended absence from the ring. The matchup is expected to be one of the most closely watched boxing events of the summer, especially given the questions surrounding Spence’s form after his long break.
Porter said he believes Spence will beat Tszyu and suggested he would have picked Spence even before the Terence Crawford fight. In Porter’s view, not enough time has passed for Spence to lose the qualities that made him one of boxing’s elite names. He pointed to Spence’s own explanation that the layoff was less about decline and more about waiting until he truly felt motivated to return.
According to the American veteran, Spence still brings the traits that matter most at this level: punching power, ring IQ and experience against top-tier opposition. Porter sees those tools as the difference in a fight with Tszyu, who has built his reputation on pressure and physicality but has not faced many opponents with Spence’s blend of strength and technical polish.
The fight also carries major implications for both men. For Tszyu, a win over Spence would strengthen his standing with U.S. fans and push him closer to the very top of the division. For Spence, this is a chance to prove that his loss to Crawford did not mark the end of his run as an elite fighter. One of the biggest questions going in will be whether Spence can still control distance and pace after such a long period of inactivity.
Tszyu and Spence Jr. are set to meet on July 26 in Australia, with the spotlight squarely on whether Spence can turn back the clock against a younger, hungry opponent.