Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu put himself back into world title consideration after upsetting Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision in the future Hall of Famer’s much anticipated comeback bout in Sydney.
Tszyu, a former WBO junior middleweight titlist, overpowered Spence for the bulk of their 12-round middleweight contest at Afterpay Arena, in what was the 36-year-old American’s first appearance in the ring since his famous loss to Terence Crawford three years ago.
Spence’s absence from the sport was evident throughout. While the former unified welterweight champion enjoyed success targeting the Tszyu body, he struggled to apply prolonged pressure and appeared uncharacteristically fatigued as the fight entered the latter stages.
Tszyu, by contrast, grew in confidence and power as the rounds progressed. He walked Spence down throughout and consistently looked to attack his opponent’s chin. Each of his right-handers that connected with the Spence jaw was met with a rousing cheer from his home crowd.
Tim Tszyu of Australia wins by unanimous decision over Errol Spence Jr of The United States Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesAll three judges scored the contest in favour of Tszyu (118-100, 117-111, 117-111) who wins his third fight in succession as he continues to rebuild his career following tough losses to Sebastian Fundora (twice) and Bakhram Murtazaliev.The entertaining main event salvaged a much-hyped Sydney card that had been forced to deal with cancellations to its two chief support acts.American pair Jermell Charlo and Stephen Fulton Jr. were contracted to appear in separate fights on the undercard, but both bouts ultimately fell through. Charlo, who was slated to battle Koen Mazoudier, was denied an Australian visa earlier this month, which put a line through his involvement. Fulton, who was scheduled to compete against Liam Wilson in a world title eliminator, failed to make weight by 6.5 pounds.Earlier in the day, Australia’s Paulo Aokuso scored a highlight reel 10th-round knockout of Luis Antonio Tejeda of the Dominican Republic to capture the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light heavyweight title.Rising Australian Callum Peters continued his ascension up the middleweight ranks with a seventh-round stoppage of Argentina’s Ivan Ricardo Actis, while Ahmad Reda crushed Paul Fleming in the all-Australian lightweight battle that was ultimately promoted to co-main status.Errol Spence and Tim Tsyzu face off in Sydney. Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesResults from Errol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu:Errol Spence (28-2) def. by Tim Tszyu (28-3) by unanimous decisionPaul Fleming (28-2-2) def. by Ahmad Reda (9-0) by unanimous decisionCallum Peters (8-0) def. Ivan Ricardo Actis (13-1-1) by 7th-round TKOPaulo Aokuso (11-0) def. Luis Antonio Tejeda (12-1-1) by 10th-round KO for IBF Pan Pacific light heavyweight titleTina Rahimi (1-0) def. Sacha Ryan Dryden (2-3) by unanimous decisionIke Pluto def. by Brandon Grach by unanimous decisionHere’s how the Errol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu fight day unfolded in Sydney:
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