Full Breakdown
Tim Tszyu Upsets Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney, Prompting Retirement and New Title Hopes
7/26/2026, 12:04:41 PM
Core Event: Tszyu Defeats Spence by Unanimous Decision
On July 26, 2026, Tim Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) faced Errol Spence Jr. (record listed as 28-2 or 28-1, 22 KOs) at Afterpay Arena in Sydney. Both made weight at the 160-lb limit—Tszyu at 159.95 lb, Spence at 158.95 lb. The judges scored the 12-round bout 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 for Tszyu, giving him a unanimous decision victory.
Background & Context
Tszyu entered after three straight world-title defeats that had dropped him in the junior-middleweight rankings. The Sydney win was his first at true middleweight.
Spence returned from a three-year hiatus following a ninth-round TKO loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023 and a serious 2022 car accident, aiming to re-establish himself at a higher weight class.
Data & Statistics
- Scores: 118-110, 117-111, 117-111 (Tszyu)
- Weights: Tszyu 159.95 lb; Spence 158.95 lb
- Records: Tszyu 28-3 (18 KOs); Spence reported as 28-2 (22 KOs) or 28-1.
- Home streak: Tszyu is unbeaten in Australia, 26-0 at home; his father Kostya (18-0) and brother Nikita (12-0) add to a 56-0 Australian family record.
Official Statements & Responses
Tszyu said the victory “tops any world title” and named former champion Erislandy Lara as his next target.
Spence confirmed his retirement, noting his “faculties are intact,” his finances are secure, and he wants to focus on family.
No Limit CEO George Rose endorsed the Lara matchup as the logical next step for Tszyu.
Australian legend Jeff Fenech noted a historic pattern of American challengers underestimating Australian fighters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think the Lara fight should be next,” — George Rose, No Limit CEO
- “I'd love to fight for a title. Who's there? (Erislandy) Lara? That's where I'm aiming for. I want to win a world title,” — Tim Tszyu
On-the-Ground Reports
The undercard lost two high-profile fights: Stephen Fulton missed weight, canceling his bout with Liam Wilson, and Jermall Charlo was denied an Australian visa, scrubbing his fight with Koen Mazoudier. Remaining Australian bouts proceeded, including Paulo Aokuso’s 10th-round knockout for the vacant IBF Pan-Pacific light-heavyweight title.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Spence’s career record: ESPN and Bad Left Hook list him as 28-2, while The Guardian cites 28-1, leaving the exact tally ambiguous.
Why It Matters
Tszyu’s win restores his standing in the global middleweight conversation and positions him for a potential clash with Lara, reviving Australian interest in world-title boxing. Spence’s retirement removes a former unified welterweight champion from the sport, highlighting the challenges older fighters face when moving up in weight after extended layoffs.
What’s Next
Tszyu’s camp, backed by George Rose, is targeting a bout with Erislandy Lara, the reigning WBA middleweight champion, either in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia. The fight would be Tszyu’s first world-title opportunity at middleweight.
