Errol Spence Called 154, 158 ‘Natural’ Before 160 Move

Tim Tszyu’s team agrees to a second weight concession after Spence’s camp pushes the July 26 bout to the full middleweight limit

Errol Spence Jr. will return at the heaviest weight of his professional career after his July 26 fight against Tim Tszyu was moved from a 158-pound catchweight to the full 160-pound middleweight limit. The latest concession comes after Spence publicly described 154 and 158 pounds as his natural fighting weights.

News broke Wednesday that the contracted weight for the fight had been increased from the previously agreed 158-pound catchweight after another request from Spence’s side. Tszyu’s trainer, Jeff Fenech, confirmed the change while discussing the negotiations.

“They’re wanting to go up two pounds, want the fight at 160,” Fenech told Fox Sports Australia.

Asked whether Spence was finding it difficult to get down in weight after three years out of the ring, Fenech replied, “Who knows? But by July 26 we’re hoping Spence will be battling to get up.”

Before the latest adjustment became public, Spence had already explained why he no longer planned to return to the welterweight division.

“Too old to get to 47. I’ve been at 47 for a long time and sucking down to that weight. My body not letting me do that anymore. I feel like 158, 154 is more of my natural weight. I feel a lot stronger, a lot faster, and just a lot there mentally,” Spence told Premier Boxing Champions.

Spence’s comments suggested he believed 154 and 158 pounds were where he now performed best after years of campaigning at 147. His camp has since secured another increase, with the fight against Tszyu now set for the full 160-pound middleweight limit.

The latest change is the second weight concession made by Tszyu’s side. Team Tszyu initially wanted the contest at the 154-pound junior middleweight limit before agreeing to a 158-pound catchweight during negotiations. Less than two weeks before fight night, the contracted weight has now been increased again to 160.

The move means Spence’s long-awaited return will take place at the heaviest weight of his professional career, while Tszyu will also step into the ring heavier than he initially expected when negotiations for the fight began.

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