Tim Tszyu Hands Errol Spence Jr. Tough Return Defeat

Click here to observe Spence Jr vs. Tszyu!

The judges scored it 117-111, 117-111 and 118-110 for Tszyu after 12 rounds.

The opening rounds were competitive, with Spence finding success behind his jab and left hand while investing in body shots. Tszyu refused to provide ground, walking the previous unified welterweight champion down and landing hard right hands each time Spence paused in front of him.

The fight modified because the rounds wore on.

Tszyu began timing Spence with increasing regularity, connecting with right hands to the top and body while forcing the Texan backward. Spence’s timing and punch output declined because the pace caught up with him, a predictable challenge after such a lengthy absence from the ring.

By the championship rounds, Tszyu had taken firm control. Spence continued fighting back and showed the toughness that defined much of his profession, but he spent long stretches covering up, holding and attempting to slow the Australian’s momentum. Tszyu never allowed him to regain control, continuing to press forward and outwork him until the ultimate bell.

The victory gives Tszyu one in all the largest wins of his profession and strengthens his position among the many leading names at 160 kilos. He entered the bout under pressure after a difficult run over the past two years, but responded with a disciplined performance against one in all boxing’s most completed former champions.

For Spence, the defeat raises fresh questions on what comes next. His decision to return after nearly three years away was one in all the game’s biggest stories, yet the layoff appeared to take its toll because the fight progressed. Although he lasted the total 12 rounds, Tszyu’s regular pressure exposed the problem of returning against a proven contender and not using a tune-up first.