Former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi has shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Errol Spence Jr and Tim Tszyu.
It was revealed earlier this week that former unified welterweight champion Spence would be making his long-awaited return to action against Australia’s Tszyu this summer.
‘The Truth’ has been inactive since he suffered the first defeat of his professional career at the hands of former pound-for-pound superstar Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford back in July of 2023.
Spence was pencilled in to make his comeback last year but these plans were scrapped after a showdown with WBC super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora could not be made.
Tszyu fought several times last year although he did suffer a second loss to Fundora in July, falling short in his attempt at becoming a world super-welterweight champion for the second time.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Malignaggi shared his thoughts on the impending clash between Spence and Tszyu after it was reported that the latter would be having a ‘tune-up’ fight before he faces ‘The Truth’ later this year.
“I don’t mind it. I think that guys shouldn’t have a long layoff. I mean, Errol has had a lot of long layoffs in his career. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
“I mean, you see Crawford comes off long layoffs and fights well. Keyshawn Davis just did it. There’s a hit or miss with that long layoff stuff, you know, you get rusty. You get rusty in terms of not having the timing but for us conspiracy theorists, you also have time to dope up.
“I’m starting to see more and more these long layoffs happening or semi-retirements and whatnot. I would prefer to see Errol back in the ring before this fight just to know where we’re at.”
Whilst many fans had expected Spence to announce his retirement from the sport instead of making a comeback, the 35-year-old is said to be working hard behind the scenes and has his sights set on securing himself an opportunity at becoming a two-time world champion should he defeat Tszyu in what will be his first ring appearance in just shy of three years.
