Last night, Tim Tszyu showcased his formidable skills, decisively overcoming recent setbacks with a commanding fourth-round victory against Joseph Spencer. The former WBO super-welterweight champion`s return to Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Broadmeadow, affectionately known as “Tszyu-castle” during fight week, was met with enthusiastic local support.
Tszyu`s previous homecoming after an American fight saw him secure a points win over Terrell Gausha in Minneapolis three years prior, marking a successful US debut. However, this return followed a more challenging period.
Consecutive defeats – first to Sebastian Fundora and then a brutal three-round loss to IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev – had cast doubts on the 30-year-old`s trajectory. A defeat to Spencer, with his relative inexperience, could have significantly hampered Tszyu`s aspirations to contend with the top fighters at 154 pounds. For Tszyu’s fans, this fight was a clear opportunity to reaffirm his capabilities.
Following a cautious opening round from both fighters, Tszyu visibly gained confidence. In the second round, he aggressively closed the distance, though without landing significant blows initially. Spencer, sensing the shift in momentum, attempted a strong counterpunch to deter Tszyu`s advance but was met with a sharp response, igniting the crowd. While Spencer managed to land body shots, Tszyu answered with authority, signaling his intent to dominate the evening.
Spencer`s switch to a southpaw stance late in the second round seemed a desperate measure rather than a strategic pivot. By the round`s end, a minor graze was visible near his right temple. Tense exchanges between Spencer and his trainer-father, Jason Spencer, during the break hinted at the pressure of the situation with many rounds still ahead.
Spencer`s career began promisingly, debuting on a high-profile card alongside names like Danny Garcia and David Benavidez. The 25-year-old from Michigan had gained exposure on significant shows, but his bout against Jesus Ramos, a top title contender, resulted in a seventh-round defeat.
Against Tszyu, another elite 154-pounder, Spencer began to appear outmatched as the third round progressed. He showed hesitancy in his attacks, likely wary of exposing himself to Tszyu’s knockout power, evidenced by 18 stoppages in his 25 wins.
Tszyu unleashed a powerful two-handed attack as Spencer moved in, landing an uppercut followed by a forceful left hook. He started to control Spencer`s movement, pushing him towards the ropes. Back in the center of the ring, a swift three-punch combination indicated Tszyu`s regained rhythm. Spencer’s response, a right hand behind the ear, lacked impact.
The fourth round opened with Spencer briefly displaying hand speed, landing a screwshot. However, this brief flash of potential came after nine rounds of passivity. This offensive flicker spurred Tszyu into action, briefly revealing a hint of the recklessness that proved costly against Murtazaliev. Tszyu’s signature hooks soon took over, energizing the crowd and evoking memories of his pre-Fundora form, before his world title reign ended.
Spencer’s left hook landed weakly, prompting Tszyu to deliver a masterclass in offensive boxing – landing two sharp hooks and a resounding right hand. A brutal uppercut followed, then a punishing body shot that visibly hurt Spencer.
The ensuing barrage consisted of over 20 punches. While not all landed cleanly, the impactful blows were more than sufficient. Trapped in “Tszyu-castle,” Spencer endured a relentless assault. He attempted to counter out of necessity, while referee Chris Condon closely monitored the increasingly overwhelmed fighter.
Further hooks and uppercuts made it clear that Tszyu`s victory was inevitable. Spencer’s head was visibly rocked by the continuous strikes. At 2:18 of the fourth round, Jason Spencer, witnessing his son’s plight, threw in the towel. Almost simultaneously, as Spencer turned away, Tszyu landed a final punch.
Leaving the ring with a damaged right eye, Spencer faced a stark realization: significant improvement is needed to compete at the highest levels of the 154-pound division. For now, that level appears distant. Tszyu, conversely, made a triumphant return, fulfilling expectations.
The setbacks of 2024 are now behind him, lessons learned. If Tszyu can maintain this performance level and solidify his defense, another world title opportunity is within reach. Achieving it, however, might require him to return to America, confronting past challenges to definitively put the previous year`s disappointments to rest.
