Tim Tszyu Defeats Errol Spence Jr. via 118-110, 117-111 Scorecards in Sydney

Tim Tszyu secured a unanimous decision victory over Errol Spence Jr. at Afterpay Arena, prompting the American to announce his second retirement from boxing.

Tim Tszyu defeated Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision on Saturday in Sydney, Australia, with the judges turning in scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111. The 12-round middleweight contest at Afterpay Arena served as the 36-year-old Spence’s first ring appearance since his loss to Terence Crawford three years prior. Following the announcement of the results, Spence confirmed his second retirement from the sport, stating to Main Event’s Ben Damon that his faculties remain intact and his finances are secure.

Tszyu, a former WBO junior middleweight titlist, utilized his power to control the majority of the bout against the former unified welterweight champion. While Spence found success targeting Tszyu’s body early on, he exhibited significant fatigue as the fight progressed into the championship rounds. The Australian challenger consistently targeted Spence's chin with right-hand connections that drew reactions from the local crowd. This victory marks Tszyu's third consecutive win following a career stretch that included two losses to Sebastian Fundora and a defeat against Bakhram Murtazaliev.

Spence Confirms Retirement After Sydney Loss

Errol Spence Jr. cited his family and physical health as primary reasons for walking away from boxing for a second time. During the post-fight interview, he noted that he was gracious to leave the sport with his faculties and that his money is "good at working for itself." The American struggled to maintain a high work rate throughout the twelve rounds, appearing unable to apply the sustained pressure that characterized his previous championship runs. Tszyu admitted to having sleepless nights before facing the boxing legend but remarked that beating a fighter of Spence's caliber topped the feeling of winning a world title.

Undercard Results and Title Changes

The event featured several regional title fights and significant stoppages. Paulo Aokuso captured the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light heavyweight title by delivering a 10th-round knockout to Luis Antonio Tejeda of the Dominican Republic. In the middleweight division, Callum Peters stopped Argentina’s Ivan Ricardo Actis in the seventh round to continue his climb in the rankings. Ahmad Reda secured a victory over Paul Fleming in an all-Australian lightweight clash that was elevated to co-main event status due to changes in the original schedule.

Visa Issues and Weight Failures Disrupt Card

The Sydney event underwent major structural changes after two high-profile undercard bouts were cancelled. American Jermall Charlo was unable to compete against Koen Mazoudier because he was denied an Australian visa earlier in the month. Additionally, Stephen Fulton Jr. saw his world-title eliminator against Liam Wilson fall through after Fulton failed to make weight. Despite these losses to the broadcast schedule, the main event between Tszyu and Spence proceeded as the primary draw for the Australian audience, ultimately ending the career of the future Hall of Famer.