Errol Spence Jr has shed light on his decision to reject a handshake from Tim Tszyu ahead of their anticipated bout in Sydney this Saturday. This matchup marks Spence's return to the ring after a three-year hiatus, as he prepares to face Australia's Tszyu at middleweight, following Spence's request to increase the limit from a 158lb catchweight.

The tension escalated when Tszyu made a pointed remark about Spence’s previous eye injury—a 2021 retinal tear that sidelined him from a fight against Manny Pacquiao. Tszyu confidently stated, “I’m coming for every limb... especially that retina,” during an interview with Main Event.

In response, Spence, 36, felt compelled to explain his rationale for the handshake snub. He remarked, “It’s not personal... we’re gonna fight. I understand him trying to be a ‘gentleman’, but he said stuff about taking my eye and breaking it.”

Spence elaborated, stating:

• “You’re trying to take my eyesight, but now you want to shake my hand and be friends?”
• “I don’t wanna shake your hand. You said what you said, now stand on it.”

This intense rivalry follows Spence's last fight, where he suffered his first professional defeat against Terence Crawford in 2023, losing in a one-sided bout. Currently, Spence holds a record of 28-1 (22 KOs), while Tszyu stands at 27-3 (18 KOs), having recently outpointed Denis Nurja in April. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown at Sydney Olympic Park.