Comeback with a bang: Tim Tszyu beats Joey Spencer in front of his home crowd and challenges Keith Thurman to a mega-fight!
Tim Tszyu is back – and how! The Australian former champion made an impressive return to the ring after two bitter defeats and stopped American Joey Spencer in the fourth round in front of his home crowd at the Newcastle Entertainment Center on Sunday. It was a statement that not only made his fans cheer – it was also a clear challenge to Keith Thurman.
“I’m back, baby, I’m back,” Tszyu shouted into the cameras after the fight – noticeably relieved to have a win in the books again after a turbulent 2024. The son of boxing legend Kostya Tszyu left nothing to chance from the start. Although he started more cautiously than in previous fights, he turned up the heat from round three onwards – with brutal consistency. “I’ve learned my lesson. You don’t go into the first round like a hothead and just drop everything,” explained Tszyu. Against Murtazaliev, that had cost him dearly – now he boxed in a more concentrated, more serene, more mature manner.
Tszyu dominates fight at will
From the third round onwards, Tszyu landed heavy jabs, hard uppercuts and precise body shots. Spencer looked battered, his face drawn – and after another series of punches in round four, his corner had had enough: the towel flew, the fight was over after 2:18 minutes. According to CompuBox statistics, Tszyu landed 81 of 196 punches, Spencer only landed 25 of 82. “I wouldn’t have been able to cope with a third defeat in a row,” Tszyu said honestly. “But I hope I showed people: When you’re down, you can get back up. Always.”
Now everything seems to be heading towards a mega-fight against Keith Thurman. The fight was already planned last year, but was stopped by Thurman’s biceps injury shortly before the date. Both boxers have now returned victorious – Thurman by knockout against Brock Jarvis, Tszyu by T.K.O. victory against Spencer.
The challenge was not long in coming. Tszyu smiled into the camera and said clearly: “Sign the contract, my boy. If the fans want it, we’ll bring a mega event to Australia.” So the boxing world can look forward to an eagerly awaited duel. And Tszyu? He finally wants to get back to the top. The road there – he has picked up speed again.
Text by Robin Josten