Retired pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford visited Tim Tszyu in Sydney during fight week ahead of Tszyu’s Easter Sunday showdown with unbeaten Denis Nurja, praising the Australian star while backing Errol Spence Jr. to edge a potential future clash between the pair.
Crawford is in Australia as part of his “Victory Lap” tour alongside close friend Grant “Tassie” Brown but took time to stop by Tszyu Fight Club in Rockdale to link up with Tszyu as the former world champion enters the final days of preparation for one of the most important fights of his career.
The surprise meeting brought together two of boxing’s biggest names, with Crawford speaking glowingly about Tszyu’s boxing IQ and presence, while also offering a candid assessment of the Australian’s recent fights and what may lie ahead if he gets past Nurja on Sunday.
“He’s a student of the game. You can tell that,” said Crawford.
Asked about a possible showdown between Tszyu and Spence, Crawford said it would be a compelling fight between two proven world-level operators, but gave the edge to his former rival.
“I think it’s going to be good,” said Crawford.
“I’ve got a little wager with my boy Tassie. He’s got Tim, I’ve got Errol. But I think it’d be a good fight for both of them at this stage of their career.
“I’m not 100 per cent confident. I just know the calibre of fighter that Errol is, just like I know the calibre of fighter Tim is.
“I think both of them have taken a lot of damage in their career so far, but I just think Errol, skill-wise, just edges it.”
Crawford also gave a strong view on Tszyu’s recent setbacks, saying the Australian was let down by key decisions in and around his fights.
“The first fight with Fundora, Tim had him. He had him,” said Crawford.
“They should have stopped that fight. That was bad coaching.
“I think he would have been better off if they’d stopped that fight and let him come back the second time, instead of letting him carry on and take that punishment.
“They shouldn’t have sent him out there with Bakhram in the following fight. I think Bakhram was just the wrong style and the wrong game plan too. They messed him up. And Tim was capable of doing the same thing. It was just the wrong game plan.”
Tszyu welcomed the visit from one of the sport’s modern greats and said it had added to the energy around fight week as he closes in on his return.
“One of the greatest of our generation comes past the gym with my boy Tassie. It’s good to meet him,” said Tszyu.
“It’s cool to have his presence. I’m locked in now, sort of zoned in. Every boxer knows this feeling, but it’s good vibes for sure.”
Tszyu also said he appreciated the chance to spend time with Crawford and hear from a fighter who reached the top of the sport.
“A little bit,” said Tszyu, when asked if Crawford had shared any advice on a possible Errol Spence fight.
“I like how he’s just a humble guy, down to earth. He hasn’t let the fame and fortune of life get in the way of life. He’s an example.”
While Crawford may have backed Spence, Tszyu said that only adds to the intrigue around a potential matchup.
“That’s alright. You need 50-50. You need people to say this guy and this guy, that’s fine,” said Tszyu.
“Certain styles make people swing different ways. That’s what makes me and Errol Spence so interesting. It could go either way.”
Tszyu also laughed off the prospect of Crawford coming out of retirement for a future blockbuster in Australia.
“I think he’s pretty comfortable,” said Tszyu.
“If I was at that stage of my career, I’d be thinking about fishing as well.”
For now, Tszyu’s full focus remains on Nurja, with the Australian determined to put on a statement performance on Easter Sunday.
“The fun part will begin on Sunday and I can’t wait to get in there, show my skills and be victorious,” said Tszyu.
Crawford, meanwhile, said he has enjoyed his time in Australia and is looking forward to the rest of his visit.
“I’m feeling great. It’s been a fun trip so far, getting to see more of Sydney. I’m enjoying my stay,” said Crawford.
“We’re going to Melbourne tomorrow and we’ve got a few events there as well. Like I said, I’m looking forward to it.”
Watch Tszyu vs Nurja live on Main Event and Kayo Sports on Sunday, April 5 at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong
* Information via media release from No Limit Boxing *