In a stunning display of power and precision, Tim Tszyu returned to the boxing ring on April 5, 2025, and made a resounding statement by defeating American prospect Joey Spencer via TKO in the fourth round. The bout, held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Australia, marked a crucial comeback for Tszyu, who had faced back-to-back defeats in world title fights last year.
Tszyu, the former WBO junior middleweight champion, showcased his skills and determination, flurrying on Spencer, who found himself trapped against the ropes. The referee, Chris Condon, had no choice but to stop the contest when Spencer turned his back, signaling a surrender. "I’m back, baby!" Tszyu exclaimed after the fight, celebrating his victory with a wave of cheers from the crowd.
This fight was especially significant for Tszyu as he looked to bounce back from losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, both of which had weighed heavily on his career. "I couldn’t do a third consecutive loss," Tszyu admitted, reflecting on the pressure he felt leading up to the match. "I hope I teach people that when s*** hits the floor you can get back up again. I proved to everyone in the world, I’m back baby … I’m back."
Tszyu's performance was calculated and methodical, as he navigated the early rounds with caution. In the first round, both fighters engaged in a feeling-out process, but by the second, Tszyu began to assert his dominance, landing solid punches while Spencer switched to a southpaw stance. The crowd gasped when Spencer slipped late in the round, but it was clear that Tszyu was in control.
By the third round, the chants of "Tszyucastle" filled the arena as Tszyu landed heavy shots, pushing Spencer back against the ropes. The fourth round saw Tszyu increase his aggression, landing a barrage of punches that ultimately led to Spencer's corner throwing in the towel. The victory not only earned Tszyu the WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title but also marked his resurgence in the boxing world.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Liam Talivaa earned redemption by defeating Brandon Grach via TKO in the fifth round. Talivaa, who had previously lost to Grach in a brutal encounter, came out swinging and maintained relentless pressure throughout the fight. He dropped Grach twice before the referee stepped in to stop the contest. After the fight, Talivaa expressed gratitude, saying, "Man, I just want to give all glory to my heavenly father. Without him, I wouldn’t be here to redeem myself. I know what I possess. Know what I’m capable of."
Endry Saavedra also made headlines, defeating Mikkel Neilsen by TKO in the eighth round for the WBO international middleweight title. Saavedra's body shots piled up as the fight progressed, ultimately leading to a decisive finish. Neilsen, despite his efforts, could not withstand the onslaught and was pinned against the ropes when the referee called the match.
Koen Mazoudier secured a unanimous decision victory over Dan Hill to claim the Australian super-welterweight title. The judges scored the bout 98-91, 100-89, and 99-90 in favor of Mazoudier, who controlled the fight with tactical precision and dropped Hill in the fifth round. After the match, Mazoudier called for a rematch with Nikita Tszyu, Tim's younger brother, stating, "I want that rematch. I want all the big names. Any time, anywhere, anyone."
Callum Peters continued to impress, stopping William Lenehan in just over two minutes of the first round. Peters showcased his explosive power, pushing Lenehan into a corner before unleashing a flurry of punches that left the referee with no choice but to intervene. Peters, who is quickly becoming a rising star in Australian boxing, expressed his desire to fight more this year.
Isaias Sette edged out Brent Walton in a closely contested six-round decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 48-46 in favor of Sette. Despite Walton's strong showing, particularly in the third round, Sette's cleaner shots ultimately secured him the victory. "Christ is king," Sette said post-fight, emphasizing his faith and determination.
In a surprising upset, Blake Wells defeated Andrei Mikhailovich by split decision after a grueling six-round battle. The fight was filled with intensity, and Wells' grit earned him the nod on two of the three judges' scorecards. Mikhailovich, who was favored to win, expressed disappointment but acknowledged Wells' performance.
Cody Beekin made a statement by handing Ryan Daye his first professional loss with a TKO in the second round. Beekin's power was evident as he landed a devastating right hand that changed the course of the fight. Cooper O’Connell also made waves in his professional debut, finishing Benjamin Amos in less than two rounds, showcasing his potential as a future star in the sport.
As the event concluded, Tszyu's sights were already set on his next challenge, likely against American superstar Keith Thurman. "Sign the contract, big boy. Sign the contract," Tszyu said, eager to bring a megashow to Australia. With this decisive victory, Tszyu has firmly positioned himself back in the conversation for world titles, and fans eagerly await his next move.
