Tim Tszyu knocks back interstate and overseas offers and locks in do-or-die comeback fight

A defiant Tim Tszyu wants to get back into world title contention as soon as possible, turning away interstate and overseas offers to lock in his do-or-die comeback fight against a dangerous American competitor.

After “crashing and burning” last year, Tim Tszyu is determined to answer his critics and climb back up boxing’s rankings when he returns to the ring in Newcastle on April 6.

Despite interest from interstate and overseas, this masthead can confirm Tszyu’s do-or-die comeback fight will take place at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre against dangerous American Joey Spencer.

Tszyu returns to Steel City for the first time in four years as he desperately attempts to save his professional boxing career following back-to-back world title defeats in 2024.

But a bullish Tszyu, who has been in a gruelling training camp in Sydney, warns against writing him off just yet.

“Sometimes when you crash and burn on the way to the top, you’ve gotta pick yourself back up and get back to it,” Tszyu told this masthead. “This is about answering all those questions that need to be answered.

Tszyu is looking to bounce back from his shock loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October. Picture: Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images

“I know what I’m capable of doing. Sometimes things don’t go to plan, but that doesn’t mean the journey is over.”

A 24-year-old tyro, Spencer holds a 19-1 record with 11 knockout wins, and is touted as a serious world title prospect.

Nicknamed ‘The Small Town Solider’, Spencer has only lost to the super-talented Jesus Ramos, and poses a serious risk to Tszyu’s plans of climbing back up the super-welterweight standings.

But Tszyu didn’t want to handpick an easier opponent to get his confidence back.

“I want to get back to where I was as soon as possible,” he said. “That means not having tune-up fights.

“It means you’ve gotta get straight back into the fire, and with opponents like Spencer, I’m getting back in the fire straight away.

“I’ve started watching and researching him and he’s a good fighter. He’s not a walkover.

“He’s a proper fighter and his record speaks for itself. He’s got a peekaboo style, and he’s a nine-time amateur American champion, so he’s definitely got the pedigree and the skills.”

A third defeat could spell the end of Tszyu’s career, and the clash against Spencer is already being labelled do-or-die.

Joey Spencer (R) is a dangerous rising star. Picture: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

“For both of these guys, their careers are on the line, they’re both at a crossroads,” said No Limit promoter Matt Rose. “For the loser, it could be career all over.

“That’s the reality for Tim.

“People need to understand how good Joey Spencer is – he’s a two-time PBC prospect of the year.

“We have total faith in Tim, but this goes to show the balls he has to take a fight like this.”

Tszyu will kickstart his comeback in the same city where he developed from rising prospect to ‘The Soul Taker’ and genuine world title contender.

He claimed back-to-back knockout wins over one-time world title challenger Dennis Hogan and Stevie Spark in ‘Tszyucastle’ in 2021, and the 30-year-old said he asked for the Spencer fight to be held at the same venue.

“I remember the feeling of the Newcastle crowd, and for that Dennis Hogan fight, it was hostile,” Tszyu said. “When he walked out, you could feel the difference.

“That’s why I pushed to fight in Newcastle, just for the fact that it feels like a home away from home for me.

“The power of a few crazy boxing fans and a bit of alcohol can do wonders, so it’s good to be back here.”

Tim Tszyu returns to Newcastle after he obliterated Dennis Hogan in 2021. Picture: Michael Gorton, No Limit Boxing

Tszyu’s decision to fight in Newcastle follows in his families path. Picture: Michael Gorton, No Limit Boxing

Tszyu’s father, Kostya, fought in Newcastle seven times in the ‘90s, including a world title defence against the late, great Roger Mayweather.

Younger brother Nikita has also fought there three times, including his fight of the year contender against Dylan Biggs in 2023.

“It’s great for Tim to go back to Newcastle,” Rose said. “The family has a great history with Newcastle going back to Kostya.

“The place has such a significant foothold for Tim. It was where he sold out his first arena and he had that memorable win when he destroyed Dennis Hogan.

“The fight he is taking will shock people in terms of the scale of fight.

“There’s plenty to love about Tim when this is his attitude after coming back from the loss he had.

“He’s in a good headspace. He knows he can’t afford another stumble now at such a delicate stage of his career.”

No Limit will confirm the fight at a press conference in Newcastle on Tuesday.

Originally published as Tim Tszyu knocks back interstate and overseas offers and locks in do-or-die comeback fight