SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – In a pivotal super-welterweight showdown at the electrifying Afterpay Arena, Australian sensation Tim Tszyu delivered a masterful performance, soundly defeating former unified welterweight champion Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. by unanimous decision. The highly anticipated 12-round main event, a co-promotion between TGB Promotions and No Limit Boxing, saw Tszyu firmly establish his dominance on the global boxing stage, while simultaneously marking the end of an era for the American star. This report was originally published by sportsamo.com.
Returning to the ring after a near three-year hiatus, Spence Jr., once considered one of the pound-for-pound elite, showed glimpses of his formidable past in the early exchanges. However, the relentless pressure and superior conditioning of Tszyu gradually eroded Spence’s resistance, leading to scorecards of 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111 in favor of the Australian. The victory not only solidifies Tszyu’s claim as a top contender in his division but also leaves a significant question mark over Spence’s future, which he later confirmed would be retirement.
The initial rounds of the contest were a tactical chess match, with both fighters testing the waters. Tszyu landed a significant right hand in the dying seconds of the first round, momentarily stunning Spence. However, "The Truth" responded effectively in the second, employing punishing body shots and a powerful left hook that appeared to shift the momentum. The third round continued to be a close affair, with Spence enjoying periods of success, though Tszyu finished the round with another impactful right hand, signaling his own offensive intent.
From the fourth round onwards, Tszyu began to impose his will. While the fifth remained competitive, the sixth and seventh rounds saw Tszyu gain a clear upper hand. He consistently landed the cleaner, more effective punches, while also increasing his punch output, a testament to his superior conditioning. Both fighters began to show the physical toll of the bout, with noticeable swelling developing under their left eyes.
The eighth round proved to be a turning point. Referee Will Soulos issued multiple warnings to Spence for low blows, an indication of his increasing frustration and the physical pressure he was under. Blood began to flow from Spence’s nose, a visible sign of Tszyu’s sustained assault. Over the final four rounds, Tszyu relentlessly pressed forward, his right hand proving to be a consistent weapon, finding its mark repeatedly. In contrast, Spence’s offensive output noticeably waned, struggling to match the Australian’s pace and power.
Tszyu capped off his dominant performance in the twelfth round, rocking Spence with a final, thunderous right hand in the closing minute, effectively sealing his comprehensive victory. The crowd erupted as the judges’ scorecards were read, confirming Tszyu’s triumph.
In a moment of sportsmanship, following the announcement of the decision, a gracious Spence Jr. applauded Tszyu, acknowledging his superior performance. In the post-fight press conference, Spence Jr. confirmed his decision to retire from professional boxing, bringing an illustrious career that saw him unify the welterweight division to a close. His departure leaves a void at the top of the welterweight ranks, and his legacy as a formidable champion will be remembered.
Undercard Highlights: Reda Edges Fleming, Peters Continues Unbeaten Streak, Aokuso Claims Intercontinental Title
The undercard also delivered exciting action, showcasing emerging talent and seasoned professionals. In the co-feature bout, Ahmad "Bloodshot" Reda secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over former Olympian Paul "Showtime" Fleming in a spirited 10-round super-middleweight contest. Reda’s superior speed and activity largely dictated the early proceedings, though Fleming found success in the fifth round, inviting exchanges against the ropes. A clash of heads in the seventh round opened a nasty cut above Fleming’s left eye, but Reda continued to outwork the veteran despite sustaining a cut himself late in the fight. The judges’ scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the bout: 99-91, 97-93, and 96-94.
Australian Olympian Callum "50 Cal" Peters maintained his undefeated record, stopping Ivan "Gringo" Actis in the seventh round of their middleweight bout. After initial exchanges, Peters gradually asserted control with his sharper punching. A powerful right hand in the fourth round opened a cut over Actis’s left eye, and Peters systematically wore down his opponent until referee Will Soulos stepped in at 55 seconds of the seventh round.
In a dramatic turn of events, former Olympian Paulo "Sweet P" Aokuso captured the vacant IBF Intercontinental light heavyweight title with a spectacular 10th-round knockout of Luis Antonio Tejeda. While Aokuso started strongly, Tejeda demonstrated resilience, even badly hurting the Australian against the ropes in the seventh round. The fight concluded abruptly in the final round when Aokuso landed a perfectly timed counter left hand that sent Tejeda crashing to the canvas for the full count.
The professional debut of former Olympian Tina Rahimi was a resounding success as she claimed a unanimous decision over Sacha Ryan Dryden in a four-round women’s bout. Rahimi showcased her speed and boxing acumen, outworking her opponent for most of the rounds and finishing strongly. The judges scored the bout convincingly: 40-36, 40-36, and 39-37.
In the heavyweight division, Brandon "The Bull" Grach secured a unanimous decision over Ike "From Pluto" Pluto in a five-round affair. Grach inflicted damage with a right hand in the third round and scored a knockdown in the fourth. While Pluto rallied in the fifth, landing some solid shots, Grach had already built a sufficient lead to claim the victory with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46.
The legendary Jimmy Lennon Jr. served as the master of ceremonies for the night’s main event, adding his distinctive voice to the high-stakes encounter.
Ken Hissner, a senior boxing journalist with over two decades of experience, provided this comprehensive report. His ringside reporting, detailed results, and historical insights are a hallmark of his authoritative coverage of the sport.
