Tim Tszyu celebrates the biggest victory of his career in Sydney, while former welterweight world champion Errol Spence announces his retirement following a disappointing performance
Australian middleweight contender and former WBO super welterweight world champion Tim Tszyu celebrated the biggest victory of his career so far on Saturday night at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney. Tszyu confidently defeated former welterweight world champion Errol Spence by decision.
Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) won the main event by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 118-110, and 117-111 in favor of the Australian.
Spence (28-2, 22 KOs) seemed a far cry from the form he displayed seven years ago when he dominated the welterweight division. Back then, the American unified the world titles and, as WBC and IBF world champion, defeated Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter, and Danny Garcia, among others. He later secured the WBA world title as well with a victory over Yordenis Ugas.
Spence hadn’t stepped into the ring for three years prior to his bout with Tszyu. His long layoff was clearly evident, as Tszyu controlled the pace throughout all twelve rounds and dictated the flow of the fight almost at will.
At the post-fight press conference, Spence told the media in attendance:
“I can’t remember twelve rounds ever feeling like that. That’s when I knew it was time to hang up my gloves. You can’t take such a long break and expect to come back and box twelve rounds—especially not against such a strong opponent.”
Tszyu then made his ambitions for another world title fight clear:
“I’d love to compete for a world title. I want to face Erislandy Lara and all the world champions. That’s my goal. But beating a great boxer like Errol Spence means more to me than any world title.”