COMMON sense has prevailed after American contender Joey Spencer threatened on Monday to abandon his showdown with former world champion Tim Tszyu.
This element of uncertainty emerged once Spencer and his team learned that, entering the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Australia, this Sunday, they would be confronted with three Australian judges.
Unsurprisingly, it was not long before alarm bells started to ring, with the 25-year-old’s trainer and father, Jason Spencer, demanding that two of the officials must be replaced.
After being pinned into a corner, No Limit Boxing, the promoter of this weekend’s show, has now confirmed the approval of team Spencer’s request.
In turn, the Combat Authority of NSW, the commission responsible for appointing officials, has seemingly agreed to draft in two international judges.
While declaring that the fight is, indeed, still going ahead, No Limit CEO George Rose highlighted the fact that three American judges were ringside for Tszyu’s defeat to Sebastian Fundora last year.
In that fight, the Australian was forced to contend with a gruesome cut on his head, caused by an accidental elbow, before losing a split decision to the now unified super-welterweight champion.
Then, in his last outing, the 30-year-old found himself on the receiving end of a punishing three-round beatdown against IBF titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev.
So now, regardless of any pre-fight antics, Tszyu, 24-2 (17 KOs), is undoubtedly under an immense amount of pressure to return to the world level scene at 154lbs.
Spencer, 19-1 (11 KOs), meanwhile, represents a stern challenge, with his only professional blemish having arrived against top contender Jesus Ramos Jr.
