A Disappointing Return
Errol "The Big Fish" Spence Jr.'s long-awaited return from a three-year layoff ended in disappointment Saturday night in Australia, as Tim "The Phoenix" Tszyu won by unanimous decision in what would be Spence's final professional fight.
Spence won the fight 2-1 after a competitive first three rounds. However, momentum shifted dramatically after the initial rounds. From Round 4, Tszyu dominated the competition, winning either all nine of the remaining rounds or at least eight of the final nine.
Loss of Form
The most noticeable issue from the start was Spence's balance and footwork. His legs never appeared to be fully underneath him, and he frequently stumbled while reaching or attempting to close the distance, which was unusual during his championship years.
Even his trademark jab lacked its usual authority, as he pushed it rather than snapping it decisively.
A Departure From Style
Another significant distinction was Spence's style. The relentless pressure fighter, who once dominated opponents with volume and physicality, was mostly absent.
Instead, Spence clinched far more frequently than in his prime and struggled to maintain meaningful offense. While he had some success, it was nowhere near enough to counteract Tszyu's constant pressure, better timing, and superior activity.
Tszyu Seizes the Moment
Tszyu deserves full credit for following an intelligent, disciplined game plan and seizing every opportunity.
Nonetheless, Spence was the focal point of the evening's narrative. After a three-year absence from the ring following his devastating loss to Terence Crawford, the former unified welterweight champion appeared to have lost his physical and athletic edge.
A Legacy Secure
The defeat brought an end to a successful career that included unified world championships, memorable victories over elite competition, and years as one of boxing's top pound-for-pound performers. While Spence's comeback did not go as planned, his legacy as one of the most influential welterweights of his time remains secure.
Official Scorecards
The judges agreed that Tim Tszyu was the clear winner, resulting in the following scores:
- Judge 1: 118–110 Tszyu
- Judge 2: 117–111 Tszyu
- Judge 3: 117-111 Tszyu
- S³ Scorecard: 117–111 Tszyu
While the official scorecards reflected Tszyu's dominance, S³ viewed the fight as competitive through the first three rounds, scoring Spence 2-1. Following that, Tszyu dominated with relentless pressure, cleaner punching, and superior activity, winning at least eight of the final nine rounds to secure a convincing unanimous decision victory.
