Tim Tszyu Reclaims Momentum with Fourth-Round TKO Victory Over Joey Spencer, Sets Sights on Keith Thurman Showdown Newcastle, Australia — Tim Tszyu reignited his boxing career with a dominant fourth-round TKO victory over American Joey Spencer in a high-stakes super welterweight bout at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, silencing critics and setting the stage for a potential blockbuster fight against former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman.

A Comeback Forged in Fire Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs), fighting under immense pressure after back-to-back losses in 2024 to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, delivered a calculated yet ferocious performance. The Australian star, once the WBO junior middleweight champion, entered the ring with a "do-or-die" mentality, knowing another defeat could derail his trajectory in the talent-rich 154-pound division.

Spencer (19-2, 11 KOs) initially capitalized on Tszyu’s cautious start, edging the first round behind a steady jab. But by Round 2, Tszyu’s trademark aggression surged. He peppered Spencer with lead left hooks and body shots, systematically breaking down the Michigan native’s defense. The third round saw Tszyu shift into high gear, unleashing combinations that left Spencer trapped against the ropes.

The end came swiftly in Round 4. Tszyu landed a devastating right uppercut followed by a left hook that buckled Spencer’s knees. A relentless barrage of 41 power punches—including hooks to the body and head—swelled Spencer’s right eye and forced his corner to throw in the towel at 2:18. “I couldn’t take another loss,” Tszyu admitted post-fight. “I proved to everyone in the world: I’m back, baby!”

Strategic Evolution and Lingering Questions While Tszyu’s offensive arsenal dazzled—particularly his precision in closing distance and punishing body work—the fight underscored lingering defensive concerns. Spencer landed clean counterpunches early, exposing moments where Tszyu’s high guard and footwork left openings. However, the Australian’s adaptability shone through as he adjusted his rhythm, using feints and angles to neutralize Spencer’s reach advantage.

Thurman Looms as Next Challenge The victory sets up a long-anticipated clash with Keith “One Time” Thurman, who knocked out Aussie Brock Jarvis in March. Tszyu channeled Mike Tyson during his post-fight callout, demanding Thurman “sign the contract, big boy,” while teasing a “mega-show” in Australia. Promoters have penciled in July 6 on the Gold Coast as a tentative date for the bout, which would mark Thurman’s second Australian appearance.

Thurman, a crafty counterpuncher with elite movement, presents a stylistic contrast to Tszyu’s pressure-based approach. “It’s a whole different approach I’d have to take,” Tszyu acknowledged, highlighting Thurman’s “surprising shots” and footwork. A win could propel Tszyu toward a rematch with Fundora or a title shot in the division’s shark tank, which includes contenders like Erickson Lubin and Jesus Ramos.

Legacy and Redemption The win preserved the Tszyu family’s perfect 51-0 record in Australia and offered a narrative of resilience. “I hope I taught people that if you go on the floor, you can always get back up,” said Tszyu, whose father, Kostya, remains a Hall of Famer.

As the Newcastle crowd roared, Tszyu’s performance signaled not just a comeback, but a recalibration—a fighter refining his craft under fire. The road ahead promises higher stakes, sharper challenges, and the relentless scrutiny that comes with boxing’s brightest lights.