Tim Tszyu retires Errol Spence Jr., eyes world title return

Tim Tszyu stopped Errol Spence Jr. at Afterpay Arena in Sydney on Sunday, forcing the former welterweight champion into retirement and opening a path back to world title contention.

The Australian outpowered Spence across multiple rounds before the fight was waved off, according to ESPN. Spence, a future Hall of Famer who held unified titles at 147 pounds, announced his retirement immediately after the loss.

Tszyu's path back to a world title

The victory puts Tszyu back in position to challenge for a belt after losing his WBO junior middleweight strap to Bakhram Murtazaliev last October. Spence had moved up to 154 pounds for the bout but showed little of the form that made him one of boxing's elite welterweights.

Tszyu controlled the fight with pressure and body work, steadily breaking down an opponent who had not competed since his one-sided loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. The stoppage marked the first time Spence had been finished inside the distance in his professional career.

Promoters are expected to target a world title eliminator for Tszyu in the coming months, with the Australian now holding wins over former champions at both welterweight and junior middleweight.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — Doors to a world title fight opening for Tim Tszyu after retiring Errol Spence Jr.