Full Breakdown
Tim Tszyu Upsets Errol Spence Jr., Prompting the American’s Retirement
7/26/2026, 1:17:44 PM
Core Event
On Sunday July 26, 2026, Tim Tszyu defeated former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. by unanimous decision at the Afterpay Arena in Sydney. The judges scored the 12-round middleweight bout 118-110, 117-111 and 117-111 for Tszyu. Shortly after the decision, Spence announced his retirement.
Background & Context
Spence entered the fight after a three-year layoff that began with a ninth-round TKO loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023 and a serious car accident that limited his activity. The Sydney contest was his first at the 160-lb middleweight limit.
Tszyu, a former WBO junior-middleweight champion, returned after defeats in 2024 and teamed with veteran trainer Jeff Fenech, who helped him adjust to the new weight.
Data & Statistics
- Judges’ scores: 118-110, 117-111, 117-111 (Tszyu).
- Punch output: Spence landed 73 body shots to Tszyu’s 16; Tszyu led 47-41 in head punches.
- Overall connect advantage: 183-157 for Tszyu, with a 12 % higher accuracy.
- Power-punch totals: Tszyu outlanded Spence 134-104.
Official Statements & Responses
Tszyu thanked fans, noted the mental pressure of facing a legend, and praised Fenech’s coaching. No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said the next logical step is a fight with WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara.
Criticism & Opposition
Glenn Jennings, manager of co-main-event fighter Liam Wilson, condemned Stephen Fulton’s failure to make weight, calling the situation “an absolute stitch-up.” Fulton later asked, “Why would I fly all the way to Australia with no intentions to make weight?”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on why Jermall Charlo’s bout was cancelled—some cite a denied Australian visa, others suggest weight-related issues, though no dispute was reported for Charlo. The Fulton-Wilson co-main changed from a WBA junior-lightweight eliminator to a 133-lb catch-weight bout before being cancelled after Fulton missed weight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “There were times I had sleepless nights thinking, ‘Man, am I (out of) my depth? What am I going to feel like facing a legend like that?’ But it was one hell of a show and I understand why he’s one of the greats.” — Tim Tszyu
- “There’s not a reason to fight,” — Errol Spence
What’s Next
With Spence retired, Tszyu’s camp is positioning him for a world-title opportunity, most prominently a showdown with Erislandy Lara. A bout with Jermell Charlo remains a possibility, contingent on promotional negotiations. The undercard will be reshaped after the removal of the Fulton-Wilson fight and the earlier Charlo cancellation.
