Passing of the Torch: Tim Tszyu Outpoints Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney, Prompting Legend’s Second Retirement

SYDNEY — Errol Spence Jr.’s long-awaited comeback to the ring ended where it began under the unforgiving lights of championship boxing. In a grueling 12-round middleweight clash at Afterpay Arena, former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over the American legend, effectively closing the chapter on one of the defining careers of modern boxing.

The judges scored the bout 118-110, 117-111, and 117-111 all in favor of Tszyu, who controlled the fight with relentless pressure and sharp right hands.

For the 36-year-old Spence, it was his first appearance in the squared circle since his devastating loss to Terence Crawford three years prior. Ring rust proved to be an insurmountable opponent. While Spence showed flashes of his hallmark body-punching early, he struggled to build momentum and noticeably slowed as the fight entered the final stretch.

Following the decision, the former unified welterweight king made it clear that fans had seen his final bow inside the ropes. "I think yeah, for sure," Spence told Main Event’s Ben Damon when asked if this was the end of his career. "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."

For Australia’s Tszyu, the victory marks the biggest moment of his professional career. Continuing a remarkable resurgence after back-to-back setbacks against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu has now notched three consecutive wins. Though a world title wasn't on the line, Tszyu made no secret of what dethroning "The Truth" meant for his legacy.

"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," Tszyu said after the fight. "I'd love to fight for a title. That's what I'm aiming for. But I've got to say beating a great Errol Spence tops a world title."

Tszyu and Spence delivered an action-packed main event that was desperately needed to save a card plagued by last-minute cancellations from its marquee international undercard bouts.

• Jermall Charlo was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Koen Mazoudier after being denied an Australian visa earlier in the month.

• Stephen Fulton Jr. saw his world-title eliminator against Liam Wilson fall through after failing to make the contract weight.