On April 6, Tim Tszyu will box Joe Spencer in Australia. After losing his title and two losses in a row, the former champion is also fighting for a comeback to the top of the world rankings.
After two defeats in a row, Tim Tszyu is suddenly at a turning point. On April 6, the 30-year-old former WBO champion will face US-American Joey Spencer at the “Newcastle Entertainment Center” in Newcastle (Australia). One thing is clear: After the unexpected defeats against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu’s career and reputation are at stake.
“This is the most important fight of my life,” said Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 knockouts) at a recent open workout at Bondi Boxing Club. “There’s so much at stake, so much I’m looking forward to. Every fight is important, but this one feels different. I’m fully focused.”
“It’s great to be back home”
Although his defeat to Fundora – a split decision twelve months ago – could at least partly be explained by the deep bloody cut right at the start of the fight, the subsequent three-round loss to Murtazaliev last October is much harder to explain with bad luck. Tszyu went down three times in the second before the towel came out of his corner after another knockdown in the third.
“The training in Sydney was great. Being back home, back at Rockdale Gym, surrounded by familiar faces, it was good. We did a solid job,” Tszyu told “Boxingscene”. Australia also has a lot of talent – “I’ve had some great sparring sessions with up-and-coming fighters from all over the country”. According to the son of ring legend Kostya Tszyu, it feels like he is returning to his roots. The middleweight from Sydney is enjoying reconnecting with Australian fans “and getting back to where it all started”. Tszyu suffered his last two defeats in the USA.
“For me, it’s about fighting smart”
His next opponent is Joey Spencer, who comes from Fenton, Michigan (USA) and has a record of 19 wins (11 knockouts). The 24-year-old goes into the duel with the “Soul Taker” as the clear underdog. “I’ve watched a few videos of Joey,” said Tszyu. “I remember seeing him for the first time when I was in Minnesota.” The Australian doesn’t watch an excessive amount of video – just enough to understand the basics of his opponents’ strengths.
“For me, it’s about fighting smart,” Tszyu emphasizes. “Last time (against Murtazaliev; editor’s note), I went into the fight thinking I could beat him in two rounds. That was in my head. But a professional fight doesn’t last two rounds – it’s twelve. I have to be smarter.” There is no room for self-doubt for the former boxing hopeful from Down Under anyway. “I know what I bring to the table. I know what I’m capable of – and it’s about showing it.”
Hoping for a duel with Thurman
Keith Thurman, who was due to face Tszyu last year before Fundora took his place, is expected to be next up if the Australian is victorious on April 6. Last week, Thurman made an impressive return after a lengthy break, knocking out Brock Jarvis in Sydney in just three rounds.
“Now the world is coming to me,” says Tim Tszyu. “I’m boxing against an up-and-coming talent like Joey, and then there’s Keith, who’s hoping for a fight with me. It’s my responsibility and I’m fully committed to it.” After all, he is a representative of Australia and is bringing top-class boxing back to his home country. And smiles: “I’m proud of that.”
Text: Frank Schwantes