By Jim Maltzman: Junior middleweight contender Tim Tszyu will be putting his unbeaten record and his WBO Global title on the line on Wednesday night in a 10 round fight against replacement opponent Steve Spark on ESPN+ from the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia.
Although the 26-year-old Tszyu (18-0, 14 KOs) isn’t a world champion, he’s a superstar in Australia, in part because of his famous father former 140-lb champion Kostya Tszyu. Tim would like to fight for a world title soon, but it may take a while for that to happen.
Kostya captured his first world title at age 26 in 1995. Unfortunately, Tim Tszyu won’t get a chance to match that feat due to him waiting to get a shot. IBF/WBA/WBC 154-lb champion Jermell Charlo has already said he won’t fight Tszyu.
For Tim to get a crack at Charlo’s belts, he’s going to need to become his mandatory.
Why is Tszyu fighting Spark?
Spark (12-1, 11 KOs) is filling the spot previously held by fellow Australian Michael Zerafa, who had to pull out of the fight recently due to health issues.
The highly ambitious Spark chose to step in with just one week’s notice to try and become famous in Australia by beating one of their biggest stars in boxing.
Tszyu was looking forward to fighting Zerafa, and it’s obviously a big letdown because there’s no rivalry between him and Spark.
“This is an opportunity that you can’t turn down. We’re not here to make up the numbers,” said Steve Spark. “Also, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t back myself. I’m here to win this fight.
“I’m here to dethrone the face of Australian boxing,” said Spark. “The time for talk is over. I’m coming for war, I’m coming to take Tim Tszyu out.
Where to watch Tszyu vs. Spark?
Boxing fans can watch Tszyu battle Spark on ESPN+ in the U.S, beginning at 5:00 a.m. ET/2:00 a.m. PT.
Spark believes it’s his destiny to defeat Tszyu, and he can’t wait to get him in the ring so he can fulfill that.
“ I believe I’ve earned this shot, and that’s why I got the call. My performance against Jack and my knockout record,” said Spark.
The heavy-handed Spark earned the fight with Tszyu with his wins over these fighters:
- Jack Brubaker
- Kiaran Cronin
- Michael Whitehead
- James McDonald
- Luis Ronaldo
Of those five opponents, Brubaker stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of talent. That’s the guy that earned Spark the fight against Tszyu, as he beat him by an impressive eight-round unanimous decision last April.
“Only one way. Everyone knows it. I know it, and even he knows it,” said Tim Tszyu about his plans for knocking out the 24-year-old Spark.
Tszyu – Spark prediction
Tim will use his superior punching power to wear down Spark and likely stop him within five or six rounds. Tszyu has knocked out his last four opponents, and he’s getting better with every fight.
Tim’s recent knockouts have come against these fighters:
- Dennis Hogan
- Jack Brubaker
- Bowyn Morgan
- Jeff Horn