“Middleweight is my new division and I feel strong,” said Tszyu. “This was one hell of a show. There were sleepless nights where I was thinking about facing a legend like Spence. I understand why he’s one of the greats.”
The opening rounds were competitive, with Spence finding success behind his jab and left hand while investing in body shots. Tszyu refused to give ground, walking the former unified welterweight champion down and landing hard right hands whenever Spence paused in front of him.
The fight changed as the rounds wore on.
Tszyu began timing Spence with increasing regularity, connecting with right hands to the head and body while forcing the Texan backward. Spence’s timing and punch output declined as the pace caught up with him, a predictable challenge after such a lengthy absence from the ring.
By the championship rounds, Tszyu had taken firm control. Spence continued fighting back and showed the toughness that defined much of his career, but he spent long stretches covering up, holding and trying to slow the Australian’s momentum. Tszyu never allowed him to regain control, continuing to press forward and outwork him until the final bell.
“The advice from corner was to get in there,” said Tszyu. “I’m trying to replicate Kostya Tszyu and my trainer Jeff Fenech. if I can be half as great as them, I’ll go down as a great man.”
The victory gives Tszyu one of the biggest wins of his career and strengthens his position among the leading names at 160 pounds. He entered the bout under pressure after a difficult run over the last two years, but responded with a disciplined performance against one of boxing’s most accomplished former champions.
“I’d love to fight for a world title. I want Erislandy Lara and all the champions,” said Tszyu. “That’s what I’m aiming for. But beating a great like Errol Spence tops any world title for me.”
After the fight, Spence addressed his future while giving Tszyu credit for his performance.
“It was a good fight and congratulation to Tim,” said Spence. “It’s been a great event and everyone has treated me well. It was a good showing by Tim.
For Spence, the defeat raises fresh questions about what comes next. His decision to return after nearly three years away was one of the sport’s biggest stories, yet the layoff appeared to take its toll as the fight progressed. Although he lasted the full 12 rounds, Tszyu’s steady pressure exposed the difficulty of returning against a proven contender without a tune-up first.
“I answered a lot of questions for myself and now it’s time to go home with my family and start a new life. I’ve got my faculties intact and my money is working for itself. I’m thankful to leave this sport with my family by my side.”
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