Tim Tszyu ‘learns from mistakes,’ eyes Keith Thurman

Tim Tszyu declared himself ‘back’ on Saturday evening into Sunday morning US time as the Australian stopped a run of two defeats.

The former world champion had far too much in his locker for the strategically picked Joey Spencer in Newcastle, Australia. Tszyu battered Spencer until a fourth-round submission in front of the world’s cameras.

Prime Video televised Tszyu’s victory stateside with Premier  Boxing Champions as Al Haymon aims to throw the tough son of a legend in with top stars at 154.

A clash with Keith Thurman, which had fallen apart previously, leaves the pair on a collision course after ‘One Time’ won down under last month.

Tim Tszyu is back!

Tszyu showed he’s way above the domestic level at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia, as he moved to 25-2, 18 KOs.

During his post-fight interview, the relief in Tszyu’s voice was evident as he stopped the rot following losses to Sebastian Fundora [March] and Bakhram Murtazaliev [October] in 2024.

“We took over the town and put on a show,” said Tszyu. “Having this type of stage is one hell of a ride.”

Attempting to make light of the pre-fight tension, Tszyu added, “There was no pressure, well there was a bit of pressure. I couldn’t take another loss.

“I hope I taught people that if you go on the floor, you can always get back up and rise to the top.”

Spencer, who dropped to 19-2, 11 KOs with the referee’s stoppage, had no answer to a barrage of punches in round four. Tszyu pointed out that he implemented a new tactic of patience.

“I learned from my mistakes,” stated Tszyu. “You don’t go in like a hothead in the first round and abandon everything.

“I had a hell of an opponent in there and was blessed to share the ring with him.

“The critics will always be there, but I had to prove it to myself. I proved it to everyone in the world. I’m back baby, I’m back.”

Tszyu vs Thurman

On facing Thurman, who spoke to Worldboxingnews.com after beating Brock Jarvis last month and told Tszyu to sign the contract, the 30-year-old responded in kind.

“Sign the contract, big boy,” Tszyu ordered Thurman. “If the fans want it, we can bring a mega-show to Australia. He knows who to contact.”

Thurman had told World Boxing News: “No Limits Promotions is adamant about making the Thurman vs. Tim Tszyu fight in Australia this July.

“It’s been a long time since I have had an opportunity to fight three times in one year.

“The No Limits proposal to have these two fights done by early July gives me time to return to the States this fall. Hopefully, I’d like to fight in Vegas this year before 2025 ends,” added the American.

Tszyu vs Spencer undercard results:

Liam Talivaa defeated Brandon Grach in five rounds, leveling the score up over two fights.

Endry Saavedra recorded an eighth-round TKO win over Denmark’s Mikkel Nielsen.

Early action saw Koen Mazoudier out-point Dan Hill before calling out Tszyu’s brother Nikita for a second fight.

“Anytime, anywhere, anyone,” said Mazoudier. “I’d love the rematch with Nikita Tszyu.

“I want anyone who they think is better than me. Anyone who wants to test themselves, I’m here to show that I’m a world-level fighter.”

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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.