I want to hurt him. Yeah, that's that's my mentality right now going into this fight is I really want to do damage. Um I wouldn't be taking this fight if I if I knew I didn't win.
Uh man, I really don't care. I mean, I'm excited. I I dream about stuff like this, man.
You know, it kind of give me chills now. You know what you said? T isn't the biggest of names.
You know, he cool, but he's not he's not the biggest [music] of names. And um for main event, he's the biggest of [laughter] the biggest names in Australia. You know what I'm saying?
[laughter] The highly anticipated face-to-face interview between Errol Spence Jr. and Tim Zoo delivered intense moments, sharp exchanges, and undeniable tension as both fighters prepared for their blockbuster showdown. July 26, you got Tim Zoo.
Take me through the fight. What do you expect that fight to look like, man? I really don't know.
All I know is he's he's definitely going to get punched on. Zoo repeatedly stressed that his activity level and recent experience inside the ring would give him a major advantage against a fighter returning from such a lengthy layoff. He promised to apply pressure from the opening bell and insisted he would bring the heat immediately.
Uh again, you got Errol Spence Jr. Give me your thoughts on Errol. You know, he's been out of the game, been away from the game.
It'll be about 3 years when you guys fight that he had his last fight. Yeah. Wow.
Yeah. I think three years is a long time. Yeah.
Especially at the sort of the peak years of your career. Um don't [snorts] know how he's been looking after himself or what he's been doing. So again, he's been one of the the greatest fighters of this decade.
[snorts] You know, his results speak for themselves. And his only loss is against Crawford, right? Who is the greatest fighter of our decade, right?
you know, so [snorts] it's a crazy challenge in front, but a challenge that I'm willing to take with both hands. Meanwhile, Spence Jr. explained that his long break from boxing helped him recover mentally and regain focus after years of intense competition and personal challenges.
The former champion said the time away allowed him to heal physically, clear his mind, and rediscover his motivation before returning to face Tim. What makes you feel like you didn't take too much time off? Um because I was I was also active and I was also active as far as you know playing soccer, training, playing soccer and learning soccer.
Um you know going to the gym um you know run around just just doing stuff just being active and you know a lot of the vices that I had in the past you know I don't drink anymore. So just a lot of stuff that was slowing me down, you know, it's not anymore. It's more is not being a vice.
I'm more with my family. You know, if I'm not with my family, I'm probably training somewhere or, you know, I'm probably traveling and seeing the world. Two-time world champion Shawn Porter reacted to Arrol's return to boxing by saying only a fighter like Spence would accept such a dangerous challenge after nearly 3 years away from the ring.
Porter added that Spence had been eager to make a comeback for a long time despite the obvious risks involved. Errol Spence Jr. coming back after three-year layoff.
What's the thought process on that? Coming back in Aeros Spence form, you you who else is coming back against someone who was just elite. We know that he's, you know, Zoo is taking his steps back, you know, uh after the terror that he had in what 23 24 going into 2025.
you know, he was on a literal terror. Um, but Spence going overseas, you know, going under the equator, you know, the down under, you know, uh, hostile territory, you know, and the list goes on. And as you heard what Errol said, you know, I did this I've done this as a pro.
Sheffield, England. I did this as an amateur, you know, uh, Russia and Aza Bjan, a couple other countries, and my dad actually was in those countries. I was about to say your dad was with him.
Yeah. Um, that's Arrow's coming back the only way Arrow could. I I think that, you know, we heard him saying he might wake up one day and want to come back.
My I imagine that before this fight actually was made, he had woken up a lot of days and wanted to come back and it just took some time for this thing to play out, right? Spence Jr. has shut down talk about his long layoff, insisting he has stayed active in other ways and remains mentally sharp despite not competing in the ring.
He emphasized that he is entering the comeback with full confidence, dismissing doubts about ring rust and maintaining that he is still the same dangerous elite level fighter fans remember. All I wore um me I think a one-sided fight. I think he's gonna give it [music] everything that he has, but I'm definitely gonna put on a great show and show the fans of Australia, show the world that Earl the Truth Spence is back and y'all will respect me after this fight and Tim will respect me.
He also revealed that changing trainers has given him a fresh mindset and renewed energy ahead of his comeback. Working with veteran coach Ronnie Shields, Spence said he feels more comfortable, motivated, and mentally refreshed in camp, believing the new environment has helped reignite his passion and sharpen his focus. Uh, you get back in it.
Derek James is out. Ronnie Shields is in. What prompted you to go to Ronnie Shields?
Uh just I mean I definitely liked his past work especially with um with Jamal. you know, he had likes to banner Holyfield and guys like that, but you know, he incorporates the jab, he incorporate, you know, more head movement [music] and um you know, you know, no knock to Derek, but I felt like he took me as far as he could take me cuz if you you study fights, if you look at myself in the amateurs and you look at me when I first started professional, what can you truly say that changed about me when I got older, when I'm 35 34 and nothing [music] changed. Like I'm still doing the same thing.
One, two, one, two, three. Same rhythm, you know, still throwing my punches the same and everything. So I just feel like he got me [music] to a to a certain level.
And you know, he had maxed out. He couldn't take me any further. And I feel like when I'm in the gym, Ronnie, it just it feel like it's just brand new.
Like I'm brand new at the gym. Errol's new trainer, Ronnie Shields, has concentrated on sharpening Errol Spence Jr. 's fundamentals, improving his defense, timing, and overall ring rhythm after the extended layoff.
The goal in camp is not to reinvent Spence, but to make him a cleaner, sharper version of himself. What do either have to do to come out victorious and not just become crossroad challengers from this point on? Well, I mean, I don't know what Zoo has to do, but and I don't care what Zoo has to [laughter] do cuz I'm with Spence.
I know. But I think for Arrow, you know, Arrow just have to be Arrow. You know, he got to get back to what got him to where he's supposed to be, you know, and you know, Arrow, you know, he has one defeat, you know, and that's against Elvis Crawford, but before then, people were avoiding him like they played, you know, because, you know, he's just that good.
So, I think he just got to get get himself back into the into shape and get himself uh positioned to where he can do things that uh he did before. What have you seen from Earl on his way to this fight and come coming back against Timu? Well, you know, just just being in the gym with him, you know, we was in the gym for like 3 4 days together and you know, uh everything's looking good.
you know, he's feeling good and uh he's trying to just recapture what he left. During a recent press conference, Zoo said even though Errol is one of the best fighters of this decade, he accepted the fight because he genuinely believes he can win and sees it as the kind of challenge that proves where he belongs at the top level of boxing. He added that confidence in his preparation and ability made the decision clear despite the risks involved.
Um, I've always been a guy that chases the toughest and baddest challenges out there. And when I got presented with with Errol, [music] who's undeniably one of one of the best fighters of this decade, I didn't hesitate and I straight away accepted. Um, I accepted not to compete, but I accepted because I knew that I'm going to the victory is only on my mind.
I know the t the challenge that he's put in front of me, but I'm going to work super hard and I'm coming for it all. I'm coming for it all and thank you again. Victory is uh is mine.
Teaoimo Lopez believes Errol Spence Jr. 's comeback against Tim Zoo will be one of the toughest fights of his career, pointing to Spence's elite experience, championship pedigree, and highle skill set. He added that if Spence remains focused and fully locked in, he still has the ability to cause a major upset in a physically demanding and brutal contest.
Errol Spence Jr. 's making his return after three years of being out of the ring against Tim Zoo. Just what are your thoughts on that fight and who do you favor?
I don't know, man. Without Heymon calling these guys to come back, man, cuz we needed something up in the sport. This is beautiful.
I'm I'm very honored and grateful to be in the position I'm in while all this is happening. Um it's a dream come true. Errol Spence, Australia, Tim Zoo.
Heck yeah. I really want to see him win. Do you think that ring rust is going to play a factor at all with Errol?
I don't think so. I think Errol Spence has been truly like non-stop working out. He already looks like he's in shape now.
And when you stay on that trajectory, when you're staying consistently on working out, it it's only bound to happen with the sparrings and everything, he'll look great. Even though both fighters have largely remained respectful in the buildup to their fight, tensions briefly surfaced during a key moment at their face-to-face meeting. The atmosphere shifted when Spence refused to shake Zoo's hand, an incident that immediately drew attention from fans and media.
That single gesture added an unexpected edge to an otherwise professional encounter and sparked debate about whether it was intentional mind games or simple emotion ahead of a highstakes bout. Zoo later acknowledged the moment, suggesting it felt disrespectful, while Spence continued to focus on the fight itself. Despite the controversy, both fighters have maintained that their respect for each other as athletes remains intact.
However, the handshake snub has since become one of the most talked about moments of their rivalry, intensifying anticipation for their big showdown, and apparently your opponent didn't have uh much love to show you. Um, are you just used to respect? expect respect like kind of that moment, you know?
Yeah. I think um I don't know. I was always brought up to to show some sort of respect.
Yeah. To your opponent. Yeah.
But that's all right. It it is how it is and um doesn't change anything. Are you surprised he didn't shake your hand?
I don't know. I thought I don't know. I don't know.
I don't know what I was doing. But it's all right. Now you're mad at yourself.
You're not even mad at him. You're mad at yourself. Now I Now I see how it is, you Are you mad at him or are you mad at yourself?
No. No. I'm I'm always mad at I'm all right.
I'm all right, you know, like that's just how I was brought up, you know, and that's fine, you know, but um I guess we're all a bit different. Tim Zoo admitted that his fight against Errol Spence Jr. has reignited something inside him and pushed him to a completely different level mentally and physically.
Unlike some of his previous bouts, Zoo said this challenge feels personal and has forced him to sharpen every aspect of his preparation. The Australian star explained that facing a former unified world champion like Spence demands total focus, discipline, and intensity, which is why he believes fans will see a far more dangerous version of him in the ring. Zoo promised he would be a different animal on fight night.
Determined to apply relentless pressure from the opening bell and prove he belongs among boxing's elite fighters. He also suggested that the magnitude of the event combined with the criticism surrounding both fighters has motivated him more than ever before. What do you see there in Spence that makes you feel that hey, you know what?
I I I think I can take this guy. It's a fight that um wakes me up, you know, wakes me up. You know those fights that you'd be like a challenge like the Tony Harrison fight for me was like a [music] all right, I got to wake up.
This is this is the fight. And it brings something different in your brain, in your body. Uh you learn more about yourself.
[music] um you just become a different person, a different animal and and that's that's another fight that that will bring a different animal in into me. Roy Jones Jr. expressed excitement about Errol Spence Jr.
's return to boxing, praising his decision to take on a dangerous opponent like Tim Zoo instead of choosing an easier comeback fight. Jones highlighted that stepping straight into a high-risk matchup after a long layoff shows real courage and confidence. He added that this willingness to face a strong, aggressive fighter right away has earned respect across the boxing world.
According to Jones, Spence's approach reflects the mindset of a true champion who is not interested in safe routes or tune-up bouts. Instead, he is embracing challenges at the highest level, proving he still believes in his elite abilities. This bold move has only increased anticipation for the fight and reinforced Spence's reputation as a fighter who is willing to test himself against anyone.
we all want to see him make a comeback. We don't never want to see a guy go out bad and not try to come back because [music] that's what boxers do. I know he took a lot of things into consideration.
He even told me when he spoke to a few people about it and that [music] was a good thing. But I'm glad he made the conscience decision to return. And I think it's a smart return because it's also against a guy who was on the [music] way up there who made it to the top but had some struggles and now he's on the incline trying to get back up too.
So it's two guys trying to get back up. I think it's a great situation. But the biggest thing I got to say that I love about Earl Spence is that Earl don't want no easy fights.
Earl don't want to fight guys that are nobody want no [music] tune up. No, he don't want no tun challenges. You understand me?
He wants challenges. And for him to challenge a person like Tim Zoo when Tim Zoo has been regularly fighting for the last three years, he been not doing much. That says a lot about Earl.
But that tells you exactly how much [music] fight is still left in Earl. Earl is a guy who always coming to the party to dance. He don't have time to play no games, and you got to love that about her.
Former unified champion Andre Ward praised Errol Spence Jr. 's decision to return without taking a tuneup fight, saying it shows real confidence in a true championship mindset. Ward noted that only a self-believing fighter would step straight into a dangerous matchup at this level.
He added that Spence's choice reflects trust in his experience, preparation, and elite boxing ability rather than caution or hesitation. According to Ward, skipping an easier opponent highlights Spence's competitive spirit and willingness to be tested immediately upon return. He emphasized that such decisions are often what separate good fighters from great champions, especially in high pressure comebacks.
I've always had respect for Errol Spence because he's a real fighter. You know, [music] he's not a guy that talks a lot, but he brings a big stick to the battle. And you know, when you deal with Errol Spencer, you got to bring your lunch pail because he's going to bring it.
And he's nothing to play with. Obviously, being 36 years of age, being off as long as he has, hasn't [music] had the tuneup fights. And by the way, I need my tuneups.
Give me my tuneups cuz boxing is hard. I need my tuneup cuz I need to sharpen my tools. I want to make another paycheck before I make the big paycheck.
But that's just me. I need my tuneup. But I respect this brother because [music] he's not with the tuneups.
And you got to know who you are. If Errol knows that I can't really get up for that guy, then I can only get up for these type of guys. You got to you got to know yourself.
And Errol Spence knows himself. So the respect is always going to be there for him. And we will unpack this fight as we get closer because it's not until July [music] 25th.
But I'm excited to see him back. I I'm excited to see him talking this talk. Shawn Porter compared Errol Spence Jr.
's comeback situation to Keith Thurman's return, noting both fighters came back after long layoffs. However, Porter pointed out a key difference. Thurman eased into competition against a lower level opponent.
While Spence immediately took on the toughest available challenge in Tim Zoo. Because of that, Porter believes Spence's return is far more dangerous and significant. Despite the long layoff, he still views Spence as an elite level fighter with the experience and skill to compete at the highest stage.
Porter added that this matchup is extremely close on paper and could realistically be a 5050 fight, especially considering Spence's championship pedigree in Ring IQ. Even with questions about Rust, Porter expects a highly competitive and brutal battle between two determined fighters. There's been some rumors floating around a potential Timu Errol Spence.
Yeah. What are your thoughts on that? Because that's wild.
If it was to happen, I think that's a beautiful fight for both guys, you know. Um, I I kind of know this from seeing Keith Thurman try to come back after injuries and things like that. Keith didn't want to come back against a no-name, you know, but he didn't want to come back against the biggest names, you know.
This is a fight right here where both these guys have significant names. Um, their in ring experiences haven't been the best lately. And, you know, truthfully, I think that this could be a 50-50 fight.
Um, if anything, I would lean towards Tim. Even though he's been through some crashes of his own recently, pun intended. Um, he's still been active, and that's the difference between him and, uh, and Arrow at this point.
But I think it's a beautiful fight, 50/50 fight. I think the fight makes a whole lot of sense. Boxing, please make that one happen.
Do you think Spence's long layoff will affect him, or is his experience enough to handle Zoo's pressure? Drp your thoughts in the comments below.
