World Cup coach set to join ex-world champion’s corner for Errol Spence fight

Sports regularly cross over, but for Tim Tszyu, he is hoping to benefit from the introduction of a World Cup coach.

Tszyu is in his native Australia as he prepares for his blockbuster clash with returning American Errol Spence in Sydney next weekend.

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There has already been so much late drama down under, with Spence changing the catchweight to 160lbs just over a week out from the clash.

Tensions have been rising with the pair prepared to leave it all on the line to record a statement victory.

For Tszyu, he is looking to build a dream team for his pivotal fight, and will be coached by Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech.

And now Fenech has revealed that Australian coach Graham Arnold, who led Iraq at the World Cup until their group stage exit, will form part of team Tszyu.

“Graham is a close friend and we’ve spoken a lot about this preparation,” he said.

“He will also be there on fight night and most likely walk out with us to the ring.

“Every day I have a messages from Graham asking ‘how is Tim, is he doing this, doing that?’.

“And when you have the support of someone like that, it really is reassuring.”

Arnold has had an extensive management career, which includes a six-year stint with the Australian national team from 2018 to 2024.

He became a holder of the record for the longest stint as the Socceroo’s coach, and will give a big morale boost to Tszyu.

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Tszyu full of confidence for Spence

For the young Australian, he is on a positive rebuild after losing in a brutal clash with Sebastian Fundora.

But his next rival Spence is a huge name, but his level is unknown after three years out of the ring.

‘The Truth’ last succumbed to his own defeat against Terence Crawford in 2023, but is willing to come to Tszyu’s back yard for the challenge.

But Tszyu believes the time out of the ring for his rival will only benefit him.

He said: “The question is, what does Errol Spence Jr. have in the tank after three years off? Our plan is to bring the heat and reintroduce him to the game right away.

“I wouldn’t take this fight if I thought I was gonna lose. If I had a glimpse of that thought, I wouldn’t be here. I’m taking this fight because I’m gonna win.

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“I understand facing a volume punching southpaw from facing Fundora. I think Spence will be easier to hit. We’ll have a new game plan this time around and be ready for everything.

“I’m gonna bring it from round one. He’s the one who’s had three years off. I’m not rusty. My wheels are gonna be in motion. I’ll be ready to jump on him.”