Philippines, 22 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Questions Surround Tim Tszyu and Joe Joyce Returns to the Ring


PhilBoxing.com





Boxing fans across the world have a few important questions that need answering pertaining to Tim Tszyu and Joe Joyce heading into their bouts on Saturday. Don’t get this boxing podcaster wrong, both men have more than proven themselves in the ring. The questions that need answers focus more on their future given what each fighter has experienced somewhat recently. As we know 2024 was a rough year for Tszyu as was 2023 for Joyce and last year. This weekend neither man is facing an unbeatable opponent. Getting over the hump for both men, especially for the younger Tim Tszyu, is crucial if they expect to carry on in this brutal sport. Tim Tszyu vs. Joey Spencer will stream live on Amazon Prime and Filip Hrgovic vs. Joe Joyce streaming live on DAZN.

Joe Joyce was on a war path knocking out all comers until he met Zhilei Zhang in April of 2023. Looking back at his run there were plenty of signs his ko streak would come to a halt at some point. That reason was obvious, a lack of fundamentals on defense. Joyce’s chin appeared to be able to take punishment having faced a big puncher like Daniel Dubois. Zhang ended Joyce’s dream of fighting for a full title in back-to-back stoppages.

Joyce would take a lesser fight scoring a knockout in the 10th round over Kash Ali. Last July it all unraveled again this time against a real-deal gatekeeper in Derek Chisora. Joyce lost on points getting knocked down in the 9th round after making a bit of a rally in rounds 6 thru 8. On Saturday Dillian Whyte has been replaced by Filip Hrgovic due to an injured hand. In his last time out Hrgovic plastered Daniel Dubois with right hands appearing to be well on his way to victory. Dubois somehow walked right thru the fire turning the tables on Hrgovic.



Look for Filip to use his jab and land right hands to the head and body as Joyce comes forward. Assuming Joe is the aggressor instead of attempting to fight in the middle of the ring, which would all but give a win to Hrgovic. At age 39 along with his recent destructive losses this boxing fan leans towards Filip to win the fight. There's a chance that Filip gasses out and if Joyce is even 80 percent of what he was, Joe could end the fight in the late rounds. A +260 outright win bet or +475 KO for Joyce is not all that bad. On the other side Hrgovic by decision pays +260 compared to a –125 by knockout.

My Official Prediction is Filip Hrgovic by decision.

Tim Tszyu makes his return to the ring facing Joey Spencer. Everything was going according to plan for Tim and the PBC as he made his way to America in search of the big fights at the 154-pound division. To say Tim’s career got derailed would be an understatement. Tszyu got off to a great start in the first 2 rounds versus Sebastian Fundora. Unfortunately, he caught an accidental elbow resulting in a horrendous cut that bled into Tim’s eyes the rest of the fight. Tszyu’s corner dropped the ball and let their fighter continue.

One loss although surprising wasn’t the end of the world. Clearly the blood in his eyes affected the outcome. Last fall was the real shocker. From the opening bell Tim was overly aggressive and paid a heavy price for underestimating his opposition. He never recovered from a punch that hurt him badly. At the time most boxing folks knew Bakhram Murtazaliev for taking step aside money while Jermell Charlo became undisputed at junior middleweight. No shade to Bakhram who took full advantage of his opportunity.

Joey Spencer’s 1-loss came via dominate fashion by the hands of Jesus Ramos Jr. Spencer has now collected 3 wins in a row and aims to pull off an upset this Saturday. Spencer can box on the outside, but he may try to test Tim’s chin to see if he’s damage goods. Don’t look for either fighter to come out guns blazing. Spencer will use a jab, lateral movement, and pot shot at range. Tim will use the jab behind a high guard as he cautiously cuts off the ring. If Tszyu can settle in he will attack to body first while using more head movement. A more careful and/or calculated Tim Tszyu lands the cleaner punches thus winning the fight.

My Official Prediction is Tim Tszyu by Decision.

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000701956598

Side Note: Speaking of questions that need answers Richard Torrez Jr gets a much-needed test taking on Guido Vianello. Abdullah Mason returns as well as a 50-50 matchup between Lindolfo Delagado and Elvis Rodriguez. My Picks: Guido by TKO and Elvis by Decision.

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Twelve Years Later, Don José is Still With Us
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 20 Jan 2026
  • Get know “BIG BAD BAZLEY”as he retuns March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 20 Jan 2026
  • “Jye Chin brings a fight to whoever, whenever and where ever”: Jye Chin ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 20 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 19 Jan 2026
  • Ryan Daye ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Mon, 19 Jan 2026
  • RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • Weights from Philadelphia
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
    , Sat, 17 Jan 2026
  • NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
    , Fri, 16 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.