Tim Tszyu vs Joey Spencer Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

Tim Tszyu had a turbulent 2024, suffering through back-to-back losses at the hands of Sebastian Fundora via split decision and Bhakram Murtazaliev by third-round destruction less than seven months apart.

The last thing the Australian fighter can afford is a third straight loss. He will try to bounce back into the win column with an emphatic victory over Joey Spencer at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia on Sunday.

Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs) clashes against a Spencer (19-1, 11 KOs) who is riding a three-fight win streak.

Will Tszyu produce a much-needed victory to get back into super welterweight title contention? Or will Spencer pull off the upset and add to Tszyu's recent woes.

Tim Tszyu’s keys to victory

(Zain Mohammed/NO LIMIT BOXING)

Get confidence back early

After experiencing two straight losses in a bloodbath split-decision to Sebastian Fundora followed by a three-round mugging at the hands of Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu had a harsh 2024.

Though he is back and laser-focused on defeating Spencer as a means to boost himself back into title contention, it is imperative for Tszyu to set an early tone and get his confidence back.

A hot start to his fight with Spencer could be just the elixir to do just that.

Coming out as the aggressor should help Tszyu toward this in a major way.

Drive up punching volume with combinations

When Tszyu is at his best, he is driving up his punch count with unrelenting combinations as he overwhelms opponents.

Once he finds a home with a jab, Tszyu would be aided in piecing together stinging combinations behind that stick to begin drowning Spencer out.

Do not get goaded into a fire fight

The back-to-back losses Tszyu had took a lot out of him, especially the latter.

Due to that, the Australian warrior might have a chip on his shoulder to engage in a fire fight to let boxing fans and critics alike know that he can still win with eye-popping style points.

Joey Spencer’s keys to victory

Make early statement to Tszyu

When prompted, Tszyu has not hesitated in talking about Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman as possible next opponents.

That does not necessarily mean that he is underestimating Spencer, but perhaps the rising contender entering the ring Sunday with a slight chip on his shoulder would not be a negative thing.

Spencer’s ability to stand his ground and connect with a statement punch during the early stages of this fight could be just the message he needs to send to Tszyu in letting the former super welterweight world champion know that he is in for a grueling bout.

Bait Tszyu into a brawl

While Tszyu should exercise a bit of caution in engaging in a fire fight, especially after his brutal October loss to Murtazaliev, Spencer should do everything in his power to demand a phone booth brawl.

That could mean forcing the issue at times to goad Tszyu into the fireworks.

If Tszyu shows that he is a willing participant with the fireworks, a rugged Spencer could find the opening needed to make the Australian sorely pay for that choice.

Play the role of the “Soul Taker”

The mental warfare of this fight should not be overlooked as it could very well decide the outcome.

If Tszyu, in any way or form, is not fully himself after being demolished in October, Spencer will be faced with the task of playing the role of the “Soul Taker” and blast the Aussie with unforgiving, blunt force.

Whether he is up for that task, though, remains to be seen.