Brian Mendoza says Errol Spence Jr. is not returning just for a payday after spending time sparring with him ahead of his July 25 fight with Tim Tszyu.
Spence will face Tszyu in Australia at a 158lb catchweight, ending a three-year layoff following his stoppage loss to Terence Crawford in their undisputed welterweight title fight.
The 36-year-old is moving up in weight and trying to rebuild his career after losing his WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles to Crawford. Tszyu is also looking to bounce back after losing three of his last six fights.
Mendoza, who was outpointed by Tszyu in 2023, said his recent work with Spence showed him that the former unified welterweight champion is taking the comeback seriously.
“For those of you that think he’s done, that he’s just showing up for a paycheque, he’s not working like someone who’s showing up for a paycheque,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza also praised Spence’s ability to adjust during sparring, saying shots that landed early were no longer getting through in later sessions.
“I was catching him with shots the first day we sparred,” Mendoza said. “The second day we sparred, those shots were not landing.”
He also said Spence handled his power well during their rounds.
“I did check Spence’s punch resistance,” Mendoza said. “I can definitely say I sent some missiles his way, and I honestly feel like he responded well.”
Image Credit: PBC