Tim Tszyu has openly acknowledged his shortcomings in his previous fight, admitting that he fought “like a cockhead.” As he gears up for his next bout against Joey Spencer on April 6, Tszyu realises the importance of adopting a “smarter” approach in the ring. Following a harsh defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October, which saw him dropped multiple times before his brother Nikita stepped in, Tszyu is determined to turn his fortunes around after suffering consecutive losses, including a fierce yet controversial match against Sebastian Fundora almost a year ago.
Reflecting on his past performance, Tszyu expressed a need for a more strategic mindset. “Last time, I aimed to knock him out in two rounds,” he explained, emphasising the necessity of understanding that a fight is a longer contest, potentially lasting 12 rounds. He acknowledged that his mistakes in the previous fight could have been pivotal in changing the outcome, stating that boxing is a narrow-margin sport, and minimising errors is essential for success.
With a professional record of 24-2, Tszyu views the upcoming match against the 19-1 Spencer as critical for his career trajectory, potentially reigniting his chances for high-profile fights down the line. He described this match as the most significant of his life, highlighting the immense stakes involved. While he remains focused on Spencer, he is also aware of other potential opponents like Keith Thurman, who is keen for a future fight.
Spencer, a 24-year-old fighter from Michigan, has arrived in Australia and is ready for this challenge. He acknowledged the significance of facing a well-regarded opponent like Tszyu, expressing enthusiasm for what the fight represents in his career. He stated, “This is exactly what I dreamed of – traveling to someone else’s backyard and trying to take what they have.”
Both fighters are keenly aware of the implications this fight holds, not only for their respective records but also for the broader boxing landscape in Australia. As the match day approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal encounter at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.