Tszyu wins unanimous decision over Spence in Sydney
Tim Tszyu defeated Errol Spence Jr via unanimous decision on Sunday in Sydney, in a matchup that showcased two fighters past their primes battling for redemption. The bout, billed as USA vs. Australia, was sold for $79.99 on DAZN and Prime Video.
Both fighters came in with recent losses
Spence, 36, had not fought since a brutal loss to Terence Crawford in 2023, where he absorbed a surgical beating. He took three years off before facing Tszyu. Tszyu, meanwhile, lost twice to Sebastian Fundora and was knocked out in three rounds by Bakhram Murtazaliev in 2024. He recently changed his nickname from “the Soul Taker” to “the Phoenix,” signaling a comeback.
Fight analysis: Spence fades, Tszyu dominates later rounds
In the first five rounds, both fighters had moments, but Spence fought mostly in retreat, showing poor balance according to commentators Paulie Malignaggi and Shawn Porter. Tszyu stalked Spence, landing isolated right hands and body shots. After round five, Spence faded, and Tszyu took control, buoyed by a pep talk from coach Jeff Fenech. In the 12th round, Tszyu landed a powerful punch that sent Spence caroming off the ropes.
Post-fight: mutual respect and uncertainty
After the fight, Tszyu and Spence shook hands, hugged, and posed for a picture. Spence had previously claimed he would retire after this fight, but given his history of returning after losses, his retirement is uncertain. Tszyu, in his postfight interview, was blustery, but the fight represented a mutual understanding: both were fighting for the chance to break themselves anew against a superior opponent.
