Tim Tszyu is to commence his road back to title contention by fighting Joey Spencer at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia on April 6.
The junior middleweight, 29, was stopped for the first time in October in Orlando, Florida, when he lost to the IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev of Russia in three rounds.
Defeat that night represented his second in succession – a significant cut contributed to him losing via split decision to Sebastian Fundora in March – and the second of his career, but he retains a high profile in one of the world’s most competitive weight divisions, and ahead of his date with the 24-year-old Spencer spoke with relish about his first fight in his home country since October 2023.
“This is my redemption tour,” he said. “I’m coming back stronger, hungrier, and ready to prove a point. There’s no easing back in – no tune-up fights – just straight into the fire with a very, very good fighter in Joey Spencer. He’s a real fighter, a dangerous opponent, and exactly the kind of challenge I crave.
“Fighting back home in Australia, and especially in Newcastle, makes this one even more special. It’s been too long, and I can’t wait to step into that ring, feel the energy of a home crowd again and bring it for my fans.
“We chose the deep end. No safety nets; no warm-ups. Sink or swim – I’m here to make a statement. If I have to walk through fire to get back on top, so be it. This is what I live for.”
Spencer lost for the only time in 20 fights in March 2023, when he was stopped in seven rounds by his fellow American Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jnr on the undercard of David Benavidez’s victory over Caleb Plant. He has since fought and won three times.
“I’ve watched Tszyu for a long time – his style, his mentality,” he said. “The guy’s a real warrior. He’s the kind of fighter who doesn’t back down. He takes on all comers, no excuses, just gets in there and fights.
“You look at what he’s done – switching opponents, taking risks – he’s built for this. That’s the type of fighter I respect. But I’m coming to take him out. I’m not here to just share the ring with him. I’m coming to win. Period.”
Tszyu-Spencer is to be overseen by No Limit Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions, and No Limit’s George Rose, ringside when their leading fighter lost to Murtazaliev, described the selection of Spencer as his opponent as a “risk”.
“Tim Tszyu does not take easy fights,” he said. “He could’ve taken a softer option, but that’s not who he is. He wanted the toughest challenge available, and that’s exactly what Joey Spencer brings to the table. Spencer is a two-time PBC prospect of the year, he has devastating power, and he’s looking to make a massive statement in the super-welterweight division – a division stacked with names like [Terence] Crawford and Fundora.
“It’s an all-risk fight for Tim, but that’s the only way he operates. If you think this is going to be a walk in the park, think again. Joey Spencer is coming to rip everything away from Tim, and that’s what makes this fight absolutely unmissable.”
