Tim Tszyu expressed his frustration with the judging process for his upcoming fight against Joey Spencer, declaring himself “pissed off” at a press conference. In rebuttal, Spencer dismissed Tszyu’s concerns as “manufactured” drama, claiming the Australian was trying to hype himself up before the match. This comes after Spencer requested a neutral judging panel, preferring that at most one Australian judge score the fight, which Tszyu found overly dramatic.
Spencer arrived late to the press conference in Newcastle, attributing his tardiness to traffic. Tszyu took this opportunity to poke fun at Spencer, while also expressing disdain for Spencer’s complaints regarding the judging system. He noted that Australian fighters often do not receive the same consideration while competing overseas and called Spencer’s attitude “diva-like”.
Despite typically avoiding confrontation, Tszyu aggressively challenged Spencer, pointing out that he was unfazed by the situation while Spencer seemed irritated. Spencer refuted Tszyu’s claims, maintaining that it was Tszyu’s team who organised for neutral judges, and not only was he not the one complaining, but he was also relaxed at home ahead of the fight.
This exchange highlighted the tension between the two fighters leading up to their bout, set for Sunday, where they will compete for the WBO inter-continental super welterweight title. The fight will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports, Kayo, and Main Event, starting with preliminaries at 9 am AEST, and the main card at 11 am.
Both fighters are under pressure; Tszyu, following two recent losses, is eager to prove himself, while Spencer, enjoying a three-fight win streak, is keen to make an impact on foreign soil. Betting markets favour Tszyu significantly, offering odds of $1.12, while Spencer is listed as a heavy outsider at $6, reflecting the expectations surrounding their respective capabilities going into the match.
This encounter is particularly crucial for Tszyu, who seeks to reclaim his position in the super welterweight division and potentially face a high-profile opponent like Keith Thurman in the future. Spencer aims to solidify his reputation after navigating challenges in recent bouts. As the fight approaches, both fighters are poised for an intense showdown that promises to be pivotal in their careers.