Tim Tszyu defeated Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision in their Sunday bout in Sydney, a fight that featured two boxers past their primes. Spence, who started his career 28-0 before losing to Terence Crawford, took three years off and returned at age 36. Tszyu, after losses to Sebastian Fundora (twice) and Bakhram Murtazaliev, rebranded himself as 'the Phoenix'.
A Battle of Broken Soldiers
The matchup was billed as USA vs. AUS, sold on DAZN and Prime Video for $79.99. Commentators Paulie Malignaggi and Shawn Porter noted Spence's balance issues early. Tszyu, buoyed by a pep talk from coach Jeff Fenech, dominated later rounds. In the 12th, Tszyu hit Spence with a powerful punch, but did not press his advantage.
Spence's Uncertainty
Spence looked weary before the final round. In a previous interview with Andre Ward, when asked why he was still fighting, Spence said, 'Uh,' and scratched his head, adding, 'Let me see.' After the fight, the two shook hands and posed for a picture, but Tszyu's blustery postfight interview showed no warmth.
What They Fought For
Tszyu had declared during fight week, 'I'm coming for every limb … especially that retina,' referencing Spence's eye injury. Spence refused a handshake before the fight. The fighters, both broken soldiers, sought not just a win but the chance to break themselves anew against a superior opponent.
