SYDNEY, Australia — Tim Tszyu delivered the biggest victory of his career Saturday night, outclassing former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. over 12 rounds to earn a unanimous decision in front of an electric hometown crowd at Afterpay Arena.
Fighting in the biggest bout since rebuilding his career following consecutive stoppage losses, Tszyu overwhelmed Spence from the opening bell, earning scores of 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111 to move himself back into the world title picture at junior middleweight.
For Errol Spence, the defeat may mark the end of a Hall of Fame career.
Tszyu Controls the Action
From the outset, Tszyu imposed his size, pressure, and physicality on the former welterweight champion. While Spence found occasional success attacking the body, he struggled to sustain offense against the relentless Australian, whose confidence only grew as the fight wore on.
Tszyu repeatedly stalked Spence around the ring, landing heavy right hands that energized the partisan Sydney crowd each time they found their mark. By the championship rounds, the younger fighter was dictating both the pace and the distance, leaving little doubt about who deserved the victory.
Ring Rust Shows for Spence
Saturday marked Spence’s first appearance since suffering a devastating stoppage loss to Terence Crawford nearly three years ago. The extended layoff was evident throughout the contest.
Although flashes of the former champion remained particularly with his body punching Spence lacked the sustained pressure and sharp timing that once made him one of boxing’s most feared fighters.
As the fight entered the later rounds, the 36-year-old appeared increasingly fatigued while Tszyu continued pressing forward.
Emotional Farewell?
Following the defeat, Spence delivered comments that sounded very much like a retirement announcement. Rather than expressing disappointment, the former champion reflected on his career and the life he has built outside the ring.
“Everyone treated me well. I appreciate everybody for coming out. It was a good showing.”
Spence then shifted his focus away from boxing entirely.
“I’ve got my faculties intact, my money is good and working for itself, everything is good, beautiful family.”
The former champion closed with what many interpreted as a farewell to the sport.
“Thank God I’m gracious enough to leave with my faculties intact. Everything’s going to go well. It’s time to be home with my family and live that family life.”
While Spence stopped short of officially announcing his retirement, his words strongly suggested that his accomplished career has come to an end.
Tszyu Back in the Championship Picture
The victory represents a remarkable turnaround for Tszyu. After suffering difficult defeats to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, many questioned whether the former WBO champion could once again compete with boxing’s elite.
Saturday’s performance answered those questions emphatically. By defeating one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters even one returning from a lengthy layoff—Tszyu has reestablished himself as a legitimate contender for another world title opportunity.
A Career-Defining Night
For Tszyu, the victory was about more than defeating a future Hall of Famer. It was validation that he remains one of the premier fighters in the 154-pound division and a dangerous opponent for any champion.
For Errol Spence, it may have been the final chapter of a remarkable career that included unified world championships, unforgettable victories, and recognition as one of the best welterweights of his generation.
If Saturday was indeed his last fight, Errol Spence Jr. left the sport on his own terms with his health, his family, and the respect of the boxing world intact. Meanwhile, in front of his home fans in Sydney, Tim Tszyu announced that his pursuit of another world title has officially begun.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
