Tim Tszyu agrees terms to face American Joey Spencer in make-or-break comeback fight

It’s official: Tim Tszyu is returning to the ring. And the ‘Soul Taker’ is risking his career, declaring he wants no easy fights after rejecting Michael Zerafa and agreeing terms to face a rising American star.

Tim Tszyu is back in business — and ready to put his career on the line.

This masthead can reveal Tszyu has agreed terms on a blockbuster fight against rising American star Joey Spencer as the Sydneysider looks to hit back from his devastating world-title loss to big-punching Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev.

And Tszyu’s comeback may yet be on American soil, with promoters in talks to stage the Spencer bout in Las Vegas — the scene of his bloodbath defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March last year.

Tim Tszyu is ready for redemption after agreeing terms to face American young gun Joey Spencer.

Speculation was rife Tszyu would return with a domestic grudge match against bitter rival Michael Zerafa in a bid to ease the ‘Soul Taker’ back to boxing in Australia after consecutive losses overseas last year.

But Tszyu told his promoters No Limit he wanted no “easy fights” and they have duly lined-up Spencer (19-1), a tough-as-nails American who represents a massive risk, having lost just once in 20 career bouts.

Both parties have agreed terms. No Limit and Spencer’s promoters Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) are in the advanced stages of finalising a date and location for Tszyu’s much-vaunted comeback.

A formal announcement is expected within a fortnight.

Joey Spencer is rated one of the hottest prospects in American boxing.

It was originally believed that Tszyu (24-2) would return on April 6 for a Sunday afternoon main event against Spencer at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

But such is the appeal of the fight, the bout could instead be shifted to Las Vegas on March 28 or April 5, possibly on a card headlined by Fundora, who stole Tszyu’s WBO super welterweight world title in Sin City last year.

Tszyu looked to be on the way to a commanding victory against Fundora before suffering a shocking head cut which forced him to fight 10 rounds with a “fountain of blood” obstructing his vision.

Fundora claimed a split-decision victory, handing Tszyu his first career loss, and seven months later, the Australian was brutally stopped by IBF champion Murtazaliev in a three-round disaster in Orlando.

Tszyu is under pressure to hit back after his devastating world-title loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev (right) in October.

Now Tszyu is taking a boom-or-bust approach against the dangerous Spencer, mindful a third consecutive loss would effectively deliver the bullet to his hopes of unifying the super welterweight division.

The stylish Spencer turned pro at 17 and was named PBC’s prospect of the year in 2019, underlining the tough task ahead for Tszyu.

The 24-year-old suffered his only loss in March 2023, stopped in the seventh round by Jesus Alejandro Ramos, but has recovered with three consecutive wins and is hellbent on ending Tszyu’s career.

No Limit boss George Rose declined to comment on negotiations but confirmed a comeback is imminent, declaring Tszyu can recover to become the king of the 154-pound division.

“I still think he is the best in his division,” Rose said.

No Limit’s George Rose (L) still believes Tim Tszyu has what it takes to get back to the top. Picture: David Clark

“He had an off night against Murtazaliev but he will make statements again and step his way back to where he belongs, which is at the top of the tree with belts around his waist.

“The key for Tim is getting back in the winners circle. That’s the first step.

“He got married recently which was a great way to end what was a tough year in the ring.

“He is rolling into 2025 hungry and that is exciting for Australian boxing.

“We are getting him back in the ring, back on show, and reminding people how good he is.”

Spencer recently told American media he is the type of fighter who won’t take a backward step. Tszyu must brace for a dogfight.

“I like being right in the middle of the action. I’m really counterpunch-minded,” Spencer said.

“I love that, being right in the pocket and not getting hit.”

Spencer turned pro at 17 and has lost just once in 20 career fights.

Tszyu told Fox Sports last week he was far from finished, describing the Murtazaliev mauling as a wake-up call not to take any opponent lightly.

Victory over Spencer would put Tszyu back in the frame for a world-title shot later this year, possibly in a rematch with Fundora.

“I’ve got redemption on my mind. The way I do things next will be approached differently,” he said.

“I was a bit reckless (against Murtazaliev). Boxing gives you a lesson that you have to take things a little bit slower.

“I don’t want tune-up fights. I am still chasing the stars and to do that I have to go up against the top stars.

“There has been talk of an easier fight, but I’d be cheating myself. I still want to be on that world scene.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu agrees terms to face American Joey Spencer in make-or-break comeback fight