the Crossroad: What’s At Stake for Tim Tszyu

The boxing world is about to witness a high stakes showdown with both fighters career’s possibly on the line. Australia’s own Tim Tszyu will step in the ring against former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. This is a must win, crossroads fight for both men.

For Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs), the stakes couldn't possibly be higher. At the age of 31, the former champion is seeking redemption and to put his name back into title contention.

Tszyu’s career recently hit a rocky stretch. After a 24-0 start, he suffered an unnecessary (the fight should have been stopped prior to round 4 and ruled a No Contest), bloody split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora, followed by a devastating TKO defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev.

While Tszyu has since bounced back with wins over Anthony Velazquez and Denis Nurja, he hasn’t beaten an elite opponent in their prime. Though, Errol Spence Jr. is older and coming off a three year layoff following his loss to Terence Crawford. Spence Jr. is that elite name that could catapult Tszyu back into contender status.

The Stakes

Though no belts are on the line for this bout, but the stakes are massive. The fight is widely regarded as an eliminator for a major 154 pound or 160 pound title shot.

A win puts Tszyu right back in the driver's seat for a world title unification or a trilogy with Fundora. A loss, however, drops him to four career defeats and forces a long, painful rebuilding phase at age 31.

Tszyu overhauled his corner ahead of this camp, parting ways with Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz and bringing in Australian boxing legend and Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech. Changing trainers is always a big deal in boxing with varying results.

Some reports from his camp speak of a rejuvenated, aggressive Tszyu who is looking to apply relentless pressure rather than playing a tactical chess match.

Tim Tszyu has stated that when he wins it will be on of the greatest victories in Australian boxing history.

Does Tszyu break down the returning legend, or does Spence turn out to be the Truth one more time?