Tim Tszyu defeated Errol Spence Jr in Sydney, Australia, this weekend, prompting the American to announce his retirement from boxing.
Spence ended three years of inactivity to return at middleweight, but looked a shadow of his former self as he bravely lasted the full 12 rounds in a wide unanimous decision defeat.
Tszyu gradually took control, using his size and steady pressure to wear Spence down over the course of the contest. After the fight, the 36-year-old from Dallas, Texas, confirmed his retirement, thanking fans and saying he felt fortunate to leave the sport with his “faculties intact”.
“I’ve got my faculties intact. My money is good at working for itself. Everything’s good, man.
“I’ve got a beautiful family, and I thank God I’m gracious to leave this sport with my faculties intact and my family still by my side.”
Speaking after the fight, Tszyu revealed he took the opportunity to ask the “legend” Spence for some advice before the pair went their separate ways.
“Yeah, I spoke to him. Look, he’s a legend of the game. I actually asked him what’s one tip that you would give? He goes, ‘stay patient, when you’re not rushing in, you’re very dangerous. When you wait, you’re a very good counter puncher, and you’ve got very fast hands, very reactive.'”
Tszyu confirmed he now intends to remain at middleweight after feeling the benefits of competing without a gruelling cut to 154lbs. While a world title is now firmly in his sights, the Australian admitted defeating a fighter of Spence’s calibre may ultimately stand as the finest win of his career.
“I had sleepless nights thinking about, ‘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.
“I’d love to fight for a title. That’s what I’m aiming for. But I’ve got to say beating a great like Errol Spence tops a world title.”
