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Tim Tszyu vs. Joey Spencer set for April 6 fight in Australia on Prime Video
NEWS
Manouk Akopyan
Manouk Akopyan
RingMagazine.com
Tim Tszyu vs. Joey Spencer set for April 6 fight in Australia on Prime Video
Tim Tszyu's comeback campaign is officially underway.

The former 154-pound crown holder returns after a rocky and winless 2024 to face Joey Spencer on April 6 in Newcastle, Australia.

The event will be promoted by No Limit Boxing in association with Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions and will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video in the United States on April 5 and on Main Event and Kayo Sports in Australia.

"This is my redemption tour," said Tszyu, currently The Ring’s No. 7 ranked junior middleweight. "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.”

In March, Tszyu suffered a heartbreaking split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora, surrendering his WBO title in a grueling battle marred by a deep forehead gash. Tszyu was thrust into the fight on less than two weeks' notice after his original opponent, Keith Thurman, withdrew due to injury.

Despite the setback, Tszyu's reputation remained intact, earning him a high-profile bout on Riyadh Season’s first U.S. event in August against Vergil Ortiz Jr. However, lingering issues with the cut forced Tszyu to withdraw from the fight.

Instead, Tszyu turned his attention to an October showdown against IBF titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev. But Murtazaliev proved to be too much in the contest, overpowering Tszyu in just three rounds, knocking him down three times before securing a dominant stoppage victory.

“I’ve watched Tszyu for a long time – his style, his mentality," said Spencer. "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.”

At 24, the Michigan-born and bred Spencer knows far too well about having to revive a career. In 2023, Spencer suffered a one-sided seventh-round stoppage loss to Jesus Ramos Jr. He has since strung together three straight wins, but none close to the caliber of opponents as Tszyu, who'll be fighting on home turf for the first time since October 2023 when he beat Brian Mendoza.

“Fighting back home in Australia, and especially in Newcastle, makes this one even more special," said Tszyu. "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."

Manouk Akopyan is a lead writer for Ring Magazine. He can be reached on X and Instagram @ManoukAkopyan.

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