George Rose Says 160-Pound Limit Favors Tim Tszyu

The No Limit Boxing CEO believes raising the fight to the full middleweight limit gives Tszyu an edge despite expecting Errol Spence Jr. to arrive in strong condition

George Rose believes the decision to stage Tim Tszyu’s fight with Errol Spence Jr. at the full 160-pound middleweight limit gives the Australian an advantage. Rose says both fighters should benefit physically from the change, but expects the added weight to favor Tszyu on fight night.

“Yeah. Well, look, it is only 2 lb up on what was agreed, and 2 lb is pretty much a kilo. It’s not a lot different to what they had planned, but both teams have agreed, and they’re going to be ready to go,” Rose said to The Punch podcast. “The fact that there is that extra 2 lb, I think you can guarantee that you will see the best, strongest versions of both Tim and Errol.”

Rose has never hidden his preference for championship fights to be contested at the full divisional limit rather than a catchweight.

“I’m not always a fan of catchweights, but whatever it takes to get a fight done, I’ll do it. But it is good that it is at a championship weight, 160 pounds. I think the winner of this fight is championship caliber,” said Rose.

When asked directly whether the heavier limit favors Tszyu, Rose didn’t hesitate.

“I agree. I think the heavier weight does benefit Tim. I’m really loving Tim’s confidence at the moment. There’s a confidence and a swagger back in him. People have had questions about him, but there’s no question about his mindset and his preparation for this,” said Rose. “He’s going to be big, he’s going to be strong, and he’s got a confidence about him fighting here in Australia where he’s undefeated.”

Rose also came away impressed with Spence’s condition after the American’s long journey to Australia.

“He looks great. The first thing I will say coming off the back of 20 hours on a plane, he looks in great nick, and he’s here to fight. We’re going to see a really solid Errol Spence Jr.” said Rose.

Rose’s comments reinforce the belief that the higher weight benefits Tszyu. While Spence recently questioned why the fight was originally scheduled at 158 pounds instead of 160, Rose said the higher limit plays into Tszyu’s hands while giving both fighters every opportunity to perform at their best.

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