The pair were supposed to engage in a virtual faceoff for banter Thursday building up their upcoming bout on Australian television, but Spence failed to show up for his pre-booked session and media obligation.

Tszyu and No Limit Boxing promoter George Rose were in the studio for the Main Event on Kayo Sports program, though Spence was nowhere to be found.

“We are just hearing now that despite a number of phone calls and this time being booked with Errol, he has not jumped on,” commentator Ben Damon said on television. 

The miffed Tszyu was asked to react. 

“We've been waiting, what, 45 minutes now? I missed out on sparring today. Well, I had to change it up for this to be done, so I am quite upset,” said Tszyu.

Afterward, the former WBO junior middleweight champion added: “Just a diva act; that's all alright. On July 25, the hands will do the talking.”

Spence’s move arrives after snubbing the Australian of a handshake before their kickoff press conference in May.

“Ain't no hand dapping now, bro – kill that s***, you know how it is,” Spence said as he walked past Tszyu. 

Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) has predominantly been respectful of his opponents and left gamesmanship at the door in previous bouts.

But after suffering his first career loss against Terence Crawford during a one-sided stoppage in July 2023 and sitting on the sidelines ever since, the 36-year-old Texan appears to be going about his business a bit differently this time around as he plans to make an example out of Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs).

“This was the right time to come back, and against the right opponent. My body feels good, so I said why not?” the former unified welterweight champion said during a recent media workout in Houston.

“My motivation to come back is about myself and my personal goals. Everything about training just excites me. You’ve gotta enjoy it while it lasts, because one day it’ll be over. I’m taking it one fight at a time.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.