Tim Tszyu has lashed Errol Spence Jr as a "diva" caught up in his own world after the American was a no-show for a TV appearance to promote the pair's looming Sydney blockbuster.
Spence left Tszyu stranded in a Sydney television studio on Thursday, failing to front for a scheduled satellite cross that had been locked in as fight-week build-up for their July 26 showdown at AfterPay Arena.
Tszyu, No Limit Boxing boss George Rose and the Australian's Hall of Fame trainer Jeff Fenech arrived at Fox Sports headquarters at 8am wired ready for the interview.
More than an hour passed with no word from Spence's camp in Texas, despite repeated attempts to reach him.
The snub cut deeper given Spence's own stablemate, Jermall Charlo, appeared for his slot on the same broadcast without issue.
Tszyu did not hold back once cameras rolled, delivering a pointed message to Spence.
"He's a diva. The guy is living in his own little fairytale, thinking he runs the show," Tszyu said.
"He thinks everyone is on his time. But unfortunately, we're not. Just as I won't be when we finally step into that ring."
The no-show is the latest in a string of disrespect from Spence, following his refusal to shake the hand of Australia's former WBO welterweight champion at their Las Vegas press conference in May.
"I had to change plans. But it is what it is. Right now I'm thinking about every limb of his body that I want to hurt," Tszyu said.
"I want to inflict pain. And in three weeks I get to put my hands on him."
Fenech was also fuming.
"Spence thinks he's f***ed us mentally. It hasn't worked," said Australia's only-ever four-division world champion now in Tszyu's corner.
"Listen, Tim Tszyu is a man. He knows Spence has just tried to play a game and good luck to him. We've delayed training by a couple of hours. No problem.
"So while I don't like talking about other fighters, Spence has definitely disrespected everyone. But we're ready for this fight. We're fine."
Rose branded Spence's latest stunt disappointing and warned that backlash may be heading his way.
"This is going to be another moment that is fuel for Tim Tszyu's fire," Rose said. "We talked a moment ago about the handshake that ignited it. I think this is going to be another moment in the memory bank for when Tim Tszyu's hand is raised.
"It will be another (reason) why Tim was so p****ed off and performed the way he did. Because we are going to see the best version of Tim Tszyu on July 26 to knock off one of the greats of this generation."
