Tszyu Triumphs Over Spencer in Explosive Comeback, Eyes Thurman Mega-Fight
Tim Tszyu rebounds from career setbacks with a dominant TKO victory over Joey Spencer, calling out Keith Thurman for a blockbuster showdown.
Tszyu's Redemption Arc Begins in Newcastle
Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs) exorcised the ghosts of his disappointing 2024 campaign with a surgical dismantling of previously unbeaten American Joey Spencer at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. The Australian star secured a fourth-round corner stoppage to claim the WBO inter-continental super welterweight title in front of a raucous home crowd on April 5.
Fight Breakdown: A Masterclass in Controlled Aggression
After cautious opening rounds, Tszyu unleashed his signature calculated assault in Round 3:
- Precision Jab Setup: Landed 22/87 jabs (25.3%) to dismantle Spencer's defense
- Demolishing Power Shots: 59/109 power punches (54.1%) with vicious hooks/uppercuts
- Strategic Body Work: Weakened Spencer's midsection before targeting the head
The bout ended when Spencer's father threw in the towel after his son sustained a gruesome cut from Tszyu's uppercut (see punch stats below).
CompuBox Punch Stats Comparison
| Category | Tszyu | Spencer |
|---|---|---|
| Total Landed | 81 | 25 |
| Total Thrown | 196 | 82 |
| Accuracy | 41.3% | 30.5% |
| Power Accuracy | 54.1% | 39.5% |
Post-Fight Drama: Thurman Challenge Issued
Fresh off victory, Tszyu immediately called out former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs), who was ringside:
"Sign the contract, big boy. If the fans want it, we'll give them a mega-show down under or in Vegas - doesn't matter to me."
This potential matchup gained steam after Thurman's recent knockout of Brock Jarvis in Sydney. Their previously scheduled 2024 bout was cancelled due to Thurman's bicep injury.
Historical Context
- Extends Tszyu family's unbeaten Australian streak to 51-0
- First win since October 2023 WBO title defense
- Moves Tszyu back into world title contention at 154lbs
"I proved tonight that champions get up. This is just the beginning of my second act." - Tim Tszyu
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