Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs) is set to return on April 6 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Australia, where he’ll face rising American contender Joey Spencer (19-1, 11 KOs). The 29-year-old Tszyu is coming off consecutive losses, the first a grueling split-decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora last March, followed by a three-round TKO at the hands of IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in October. Now, determined to recapture momentum at junior middleweight, Tszyu is labeling this fight his “redemption tour.”
After falling to Murtazaliev in Orlando, Tszyu says he wants no tune-up bouts; he’s diving straight back in with a legit threat in Spencer. The 24-year-old, who suffered his lone loss to Jesus Alejandro Ramos Jr. in March 2023, has since racked up three straight wins. Spencer expects to thrive in hostile territory, welcoming the challenge of a big name in Tszyu, especially on Tszyu’s own home soil. Insiders note that Spencer’s recent improvements, particularly in power and ring generalship, could test Tszyu’s resolve as he tries to rebound in front of a passionate Newcastle crowd.
Watch Tszyu vs. Murtazaliev highlights: Watch
The 24-year-old Joey Spencer, a nine-time American champion, has muscled his way into the junior middleweight conversation after a pair of impressive wins in 2024 – stopping Janer Gonzalez and then outpointing Miguel Angel Hernandez by majority decision. With those performances, he’s squarely on the radar to face top contenders, including the formidable Sebastian Fundora.
Spencer will take a giant step when he squares off against a “real warrior” – words he uses to describe the Aussie star. Still, Spencer makes it clear he’s not traveling halfway around the globe just to participate, insisting he intends “to take him out” rather than merely share the ring.
There’s some history between them, too. Spencer fought on the undercard of Tszyu’s U.S. debut three years ago in Minneapolis, back when Tszyu beat Terrell Gausha and the American audience first got a glimpse of his all-action style. Spencer says he respects Tszyu’s fearless attitude – citing his willingness to switch opponents and take on all comers – but says respect won’t stop him from aiming for a knockout come fight night.
Adding intrigue to the matchup is No Limit Boxing’s collaboration with Premier Boxing Champions and TGB Promotions. George Rose of No Limit, who was ringside for Tszyu’s loss to Murtazaliev, acknowledges the risk in selecting an opponent like Spencer. He points out that Spencer was twice named PBC’s “Prospect of the Year” and carries significant punching power.
For Tszyu, victory would mark a critical step toward reclaiming a title shot or high-profile fight. For Spencer, it’s a golden chance to bring himself into contention and spoil Tszyu’s homecoming.
Fight card:
▪️Tim Tszyu vs. Joseph Spencer, 10 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Koen Mazoudier vs. Dan Hill, 10 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Endry Saavedra vs. Mikkel Nielsen, 10 rounds, middleweight
▪️Joel Taylor vs. Jake Wyllie, 10 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Brandon Grach vs. Liam Talivaa, 8 rounds, heavyweight
▪️Andrei Mikhailovich vs. Blake Wells, 6 rounds, middleweight
▪️Callum Peters vs. Marcus Heywood, 6 rounds, middleweight
▪️Cody Beekin vs. Ryan Daye, 5 rounds, middleweight
▪️Brent Walton vs. Isaias Sette, 4 rounds, super welterweight
▪️Cooper O'Connell vs. Benjamin Amos, 4 rounds, super lightweight
