The opening rounds were competitive. Tszyu stunned Spence with a right hand in the closing seconds of the first round, but Spence answered in the second with effective body work and a hard left that briefly shifted the momentum. The third round also favored Spence, although Tszyu finished strongly with another right hand.
Tszyu regained momentum in the fourth before another close fifth round. He began taking control in the sixth and seventh, landing the cleaner punches while increasing his work rate. Both fighters developed swelling under their left eyes.
Referee Will Soulos warned Spence several times for low blows in the eighth round as blood began flowing from Spence’s nose. Tszyu continued pressing the action over the final four rounds, repeatedly landing right hands while Spence’s output slowed.
Tszyu finished strongly in the twelfth, rocking Spence with another right hand during the closing minute to seal the victory.
Following the decision, Spence applauded Tszyu before announcing his retirement from boxing.
Reda Defeats Fleming
In the co-feature, Ahmad “Bloodshot” Reda earned a unanimous decision over former Olympian Paul “Showtime” Fleming after 10 entertaining rounds.
Reda controlled most of the early action with his speed and activity, although Fleming enjoyed his best success in the fifth after inviting Reda to exchange while standing against the ropes.
A clash of heads opened a cut over Fleming’s left eyebrow in the seventh. Reda continued to outwork the veteran over the closing rounds despite suffering a cut late in the fight.
The judges scored the bout 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94.
Peters Stops Actis
Australian Olympian Callum “50 Cal” Peters remained unbeaten by stopping Ivan “Gringo” Actis in the seventh round.
The opening rounds featured heavy exchanges before Peters gradually took control with sharper punching. A right hand opened a cut over Actis’ left eye in the fourth, and Peters continued to wear him down until referee Will Soulos halted the bout at 55 seconds of Round 7.
Aokuso Knocks Out Tejeda
Former Olympian Paulo “Sweet P” Aokuso captured the vacant IBF Intercontinental light heavyweight title with a dramatic 10th-round knockout of Luis Antonio Tejeda.
Aokuso rocked Tejeda early, but the Dominican battled back and had the Australian badly hurt against the ropes during the seventh round.
The fight ended suddenly in the final round when Aokuso landed a crushing counter left hand that flattened Tejeda for the count.
Rahimi Wins Pro Debut
Former Olympian Tina Rahimi opened her professional career with a unanimous decision over Sacha Ryan Dryden.
Rahimi boxed well throughout the four-round contest, using her speed and combinations to edge most of the rounds before finishing strongly.
The judges scored it 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37.
Grach Defeats Pluto
Heavyweight Brandon “The Bull” Grach earned a unanimous decision over Ike “From Pluto” Pluto in a five-round battle.
Grach hurt Pluto with a right hand in the third round and scored a knockdown in the fourth. Pluto rallied late and landed several solid punches in the fifth, but Grach had already done enough to secure the victory.
The judges scored the fight 49-45, 49-45 and 48-46.
Jimmy Lennon Jr. served as the ring announcer for the main event.
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