Tim Tszyu vs. Steve Spark - July 7, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

New Fight Set

Zerafa wanted the fight postponed for two weeks - which Team Tszyu refused to do.

Tszyu's promoter believes Zerafa was simply looking for a way out.

“We knew from the moment he looked Tim in the eyes at the press conference and went quiet that he never wanted this fight,” George Rose, the CEO of No Limit Boxing, said.

“I knew it. Tim knew it. Australia knew it. He never wanted this fight and all I can say is I’m sorry for everyone who has wanted this fight for so long.”

Rose also confirmed that Steve Spark has agreed to take the fight on a week’s notice.

Spark (12-1, 11 KOs) put in a good performance against former Tim Tszyu rival Jack Brubaker to win convincingly over the number one ranked Australian welterweight.

“We said rain hail or shine, Tim Tszyu was fighting in Newcastle on July 7 and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Full credit to Steve Spark for taking this fight at short notice," Rose said. “We know he is going to make for an incredibly difficult fight for Tim.”

Tszyu was quick to thank Spark for taking the fight on short notice and views it as a dangerous bout.

“Credit to Steve for taking this fight,” Tszyu said.

“He’s a dangerous fighter with a lot of power. I’ve seen it for myself. I was ringside at the fight in Wollongong when he hammered Jack Brubaker, and saw how well he did under the bright lights. He has power, stamina and keeps the pressure on. I know he’s coming to hit and hit hard. I’m expecting that and much more next Wednesday night. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Spark was happy to step up to the plate for the big opportunity - knowing that an upset victory could change his entire life.

"I'm a fighter and fighters fight! I like challenges and life is about taking risks. With no risk there is no reward! I’m excited! I earned this fight with my last performance. Tim Tszyu beat Jack Brubaker but last time out I battered Jack Brubaker. I cut him and busted his eardrum - it was brutal," Spark said.

"Australian boxing fans need to see this fight! I’ve dreamed about fighting Tim Tszyu and obviously this has come a little bit quicker than I expected but that’s a good thing. I’m fit and I’m ready and I’m coming to Newcastle to win. This is Cinderella Man, this is Rocky! This is my golden ticket. If I can go out there and dethrone the biggest name in Australian boxing then I’m right where I want to be."

[DrDuke]

Zerafa or Spark, Tszyu will knock the spark out any of them. It's obvious, that the team Tszyu are against re-sceduling it, as they are aiming for the title shot.

[gregregegg]

Still doubt the fight happens because I can’t see crowds being likely by then, but this is a good opponent for a weeks notice.

[Enlightened-One]

Sounds like Tim Tszyu's facing a pop star or a WWE wrestler.

[KiwiRider]

Still doubt the fight happens because I can’t see crowds being likely by then, but this is a good opponent for a weeks notice.

True, Aussie is having trouble bringing the outbreaks under control.
I don't buy Zerafa weasling out of the fight. Seems out of character.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Still doubt the fight happens because I can’t see crowds being likely by then, but this is a good opponent for a weeks notice.

True, Aussie is having trouble bringing the outbreaks under control.
I don't buy Zerafa weasling out of the fight. Seems out of character.

It does say Zerafa wanted to postpone 2 weeks. But what’s 2 weeks really? Don’t know the situation down under tbh.

He probably wanted to maximise his profits for the fight, seeing as it’s a cash out fight too.

[gregregegg]

Still doubt the fight happens because I can’t see crowds being likely by then, but this is a good opponent for a weeks notice.

True, Aussie is having trouble bringing the outbreaks under control.
I don't buy Zerafa weasling out of the fight. Seems out of character.

It does say Zerafa wanted to postpone 2 weeks. But what’s 2 weeks really? Don’t know the situation down under tbh.

He probably wanted to maximise his profits for the fight, seeing as it’s a cash out fight too.

Yea this is his canelo. Get that payday, for that crowds help.

[p4p1]

True, Aussie is having trouble bringing the outbreaks under control.
I don't buy Zerafa weasling out of the fight. Seems out of character.

It does say Zerafa wanted to postpone 2 weeks. But what’s 2 weeks really? Don’t know the situation down under tbh.

He probably wanted to maximise his profits for the fight, seeing as it’s a cash out fight too.

Yea this is his canelo. Get that payday, for that crowds help.

There's also every chance that in two weeks the fight can't take place at all. Currently, I think a lot of business are taking what they can get right now because the future, even just two weeks away is uncertain.

My city just went into full lockdown a couple of days ago. Last week we were planning to get rid of all of the remaining covid measures still in place because we looked to have been well on top of it.

[gregregegg]

It does say Zerafa wanted to postpone 2 weeks. But what’s 2 weeks really? Don’t know the situation down under tbh.

He probably wanted to maximise his profits for the fight, seeing as it’s a cash out fight too.

Yea this is his canelo. Get that payday, for that crowds help.

There's also every chance that in two weeks the fight can't take place at all. Currently, I think a lot of business are taking what they can get right now because the future, even just two weeks away is uncertain.

My city just went into full lockdown a couple of days ago. Last week we were planning to get rid of all of the remaining covid measures still in place because we looked to have been well on top of it.

The fight is only 1 week away. But yes iv very much been doubting it will be on for the week+ and i still do doubt it will be on.

[p4p1]

Yea this is his canelo. Get that payday, for that crowds help.

There's also every chance that in two weeks the fight can't take place at all. Currently, I think a lot of business are taking what they can get right now because the future, even just two weeks away is uncertain.

My city just went into full lockdown a couple of days ago. Last week we were planning to get rid of all of the remaining covid measures still in place because we looked to have been well on top of it.

The fight is only 1 week away. But yes iv very much been doubting it will be on for the week+ and i still do doubt it will be on.

That's why I think team Tszyu is happy to take the fight that they have a more sure date of. As I said above things can change so quickly they might think they have enough in place to 'force' the fight through.

[KiwiRider]

My city just went into full lockdown a couple of days ago. Last week we were planning to get rid of all of the remaining covid measures still in place because we looked to have been well on top of it.

Bugger mate
We nearly had it come down over here. It's a bloody knife edge, one screw up and its flippin rampant. That Indian variant spreads like a $2 hooker

[p4p1]

My city just went into full lockdown a couple of days ago. Last week we were planning to get rid of all of the remaining covid measures still in place because we looked to have been well on top of it.

Bugger mate
We nearly had it come down over here. It's a bloody knife edge, one screw up and its flippin rampant. That Indian variant spreads like a $2 hooker

I think that's the variant someone tested + for. No new cases today though so it's looking like it might be OK. The traffic to and from work has been fornicating fantastic.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jeff Fenech warns Tim Tszyu that Stevie Spark is more dangerous than Michael Zerafa

Jeff Fenech has warned world-rated junior middleweight Tim ‘The Soul Snatcher’ Tszyu 18-0 (14) he will need to be on the top of his game to defeat late replacement Stevie ‘The Viking’ Spark 12-1 (11) when they clash at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, News South Wales, Australia on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old Spark from Toowoomba in Queensland is coming off a dominant eight-round points win over Jack Brubaker 16-4-2 (8) at welterweight in April.

He steps in on one week’s notice after original opponent Michael Zerafa 28-4 (17) from Melbourne, Victoria refused to travel interstate citing Covid-19 fears.

International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Fenech believes Spark will be a tougher assignment for Tszyu than Zerafa.

“This is a sight Tim has to be wary of,” Fenech told Sporting News.

“You’ve gotta be so careful with these guys who believe in themselves, can punch and will step in and take on anyone.

“It’ll be tougher than what Zerafa would’ve been. If he’s been training, it’ll be a much tougher fight.

“This is a fight Tim’s really gotta be careful of.

“Don’t think it’s just a fill-in, he’s gotta think twice as hard for it. It’s a whole different thing a week before a fight.

“He’s gotta watch Stevie Spark and give him respect.

“He can punch and he’s not scared to fight anyone. They’re the ones you’ve gotta be scared of.

“He’s gonna go in saying, ‘I’m either gonna knock out, or I’m getting knocked out.”

Spark, who received the call up while pulling beers at his day job as a barman on Wednesday, was quick to accept the fight. He flew into Newcastle on Wednesday and addressed the media.

“They do talk about me being a knockout artist, but I can also box as well,” Spark said. “I showed that with the Jack fight.

“If I can upset Tim Tszyu in this fight, I will become the face of Australian boxing so I know what’s at stake.”

Both boxers will need to come up with gameplans at short notice to win the fight.

“It’s as dangerous for Tszyu as it is me because he’s been preparing for Michael Zerafa and Michael Zerafa is not me, I’m Stevie Spark, and I’m a completely different fighter,” Spark said.

“All respect to him because he’s taken on a new opponent as well and that’s not easy. I had that many pull out on me last year. It’s unbelievable and I felt a bit of a duty to jump in and give Tszyu the fight.”

Despite the Tszyu fight representing a step up in class for Spark, he insists he is more than deserving at a shot at the biggest name in Australian boxing.

“Every man can be beaten,” Spark said. “He’s a human, he has two fists, he has a heartbeat and look, he bleeds red too.

“I know I earned this shot. I 100 per cent earned this shot because Tim picked me because I’m someone he hasn’t sparred and I’m someone he hasn’t fought, and I impressed him on that last card.

“He saw what I did against Jack Brubaker. I dismantled him after that first round and absolutely pulverised him.

“Tim picked me because I believe I pose the biggest threat in Australia to him because of the performance I put on and the excitement.”

[gregregegg]

Clashes with Australia vs France in rugby. Not great. Think they are praying covid restrictions gives em a reason to cancel.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tszyu vs Spark set for Commonwealth super welterweight title, undercard

Australian boxers Tim Tszyu and Stevie Spark battle it out at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, NSW on Wednesday, July 7. The contest headlines the fight card live on pay-per-view.


Undefeated Tszyu (18-0, 14 KOs) was initially set to face Michael Zerafa in a bout with WBO Global super welterweight title on the line. The latter pulled out, reportedly due to concerns over COVID-19 restrictions, and was replaced by Spark (12-1, 11 KOs), who took the fight on a short notice.

At the pre-fight press conference held earlier today (July 5) it was announced that a vacant Commonwealth super welterweight title will be up for grabs, when Tszyu and Spark faceoff inside the ring. The bout is scheduled for ten rounds.

Tszyu vs Spark undercard comprises five bouts. The co-feature in a ten-round super featherweight matchup between Liam Wilson and Joe Noynay. Also on the card super welterweights Wade Ryan and Troy O’Meley meet in the scheduled for ten rounds rematch, and Miles Zalewski battles Lee Fook in a eight-rounder at super lightweight.

In addition, Sam Ah See faces off Czar Amonsot in an-eight rounder at welterweight, and Linn Sandstrom takes on Natalie Hills in a six-rounder at super flyweight. The full lineup can be found below.

Boxing fans can watch Tim Tszyu vs Stevie Spark live stream on Kayo. The start time is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7 at 7 pm AEST / 5 pm AWST.

The main event is expected at around 9:30 pm AEST / 7:30 pm AWST.

Tszyu vs Spark fight card

•Tim Tszyu vs. Stevie Spark, 10 rounds, super welterweight – Commonwealth super welterweight title

•Liam Wilson vs. Joe Noynay, 10 rounds, super featherweight – WBO Asia Pacific super featherweight title

•Wade Ryan vs. Troy O’Meley, 10 rounds, super welterweight – IBO International super welterweight title

•Miles Zalewski vs. Lee Fook, 8 rounds, super lightweight

•Sam Ah See vs. Czar Amonsot, 8 rounds, welterweight

•Linn Sandstrom vs. Natalie Hills, 6 rounds, super flyweight

[Dioufy]

Czar Amonsat!! Jeez I remember him busting one of my favourite ever fighters face right up like 15 years ago!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Weigh-in

Tszyu (18-0, 14 KOs) checked in at a fit and trim 152.8 pounds.
Spark (12-1, 11 KOs) weighed a career-heaviest 153.6 pounds.

Below are the weight for the undercard bouts.

Liam Wilson (9-0, 6 KOs), Caboolutre, Queensland, 131.8 pounds vs. Joe Noynay (18-2-2, 7 KOs), Cebu, Philippines, 129.7 pounds—10 rounds, junior lightweight

Wade Ryan (18-9, 6 KOs), Gunnedah, NSW, 152.9 pounds vs. Troy O’Meley (11-1, 2 KOs), Newcastle, NSW, 153.7 pounds—10 rounds, junior middleweight

Sam Ah See (13-0-1, 6 KOs), Orange, NSW, 145.4 pounds vs. Czar Amonsot (35-5-3, 22 KOs) St Kilda, Victoria, 146.4 pounds—8 rounds, welterweight

Linn Sandstrom (1-1, 0 KOs), Sydney, NSW, 114.9 pounds vs. Natalie Gonzalez Hills (debut), Sydney, NSW, 114.3 pounds—6 rounds, junior bantamweight

Miles Zalewski (8-1, 6 KOs), Brisbane, Queensland 136.4 pounds vs. Lee Fook (0-2, 0 KOs), Yass, NSW, 140.2 pounds—8 rounds, junior welterweight

[gregregegg]

What do you think Tim and Steves fight night weights are?

Why does tim tszyu keep weighing in well under the limit. Is he really a fullsizesed 154?

Spark up at the limit, is it cause he is in shape and hardly cutting weight, or is it because he is out of shape and still had a decent weight cut?

[Ruthless-RKO]

What do you think Tim and Steves fight night weights are?

Why does tim tszyu keep weighing in well under the limit. Is he really a fullsizesed 154?

Spark up at the limit, is it cause he is in shape and hardly cutting weight, or is it because he is out of shape and still had a decent weight cut?

Could Tim make 147.. He's literally weighing 152. I know 5 pounds isn't small either.

This was the weigh-in for the Horn fight. He was 152 there as well.

[margaret thatcher]

someone sliced tim's abs up the middle there

[Ruthless-RKO]

Will be around 10am UK time.

[The Asleep Lamps]

The reason Tszyu wouldn't reschedule the bout with Zerafa https://www.smh.com.au/sport/boxing/the ... 587d6.html

[Ruthless-RKO]

Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Start Time: 5am ET | 2am PT | 10am UK | 7pm AEST
Location: Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Newcastle, NSW, Australia
TV: PPV (AUS)
Streaming: ESPN+ (U.S.)

Main Card (ESPN+, 5am ET | 2am PT | 10am UK | 7pm AEST)

WBO Global & Vacant Commonwealth Super Welterweight Championship
Tim Tszyu (18-0, 14 KOs) vs. Steve Spark (12-1, 11 KOs)

WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight Championship
Liam Wilson (9-0, 6 KOs) vs. Joe Noynay (18-2-2, 7 KOs)

IBO International Super Welterweight Championship
Wade Ryan (18-9, 6 KOs) vs. Troy O’Meley (11-1, 2 KOs)

8 Round Welterweight Bout
Sam Ah See (13-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Czar Amonsot (35-5-3, 22 KOs)

8 Round Super Lightweight Bout
Miles Zalewski (8-1, 6 KOs) vs. Lee Fook (0-2, 0 KOs)

Vacant Australian NBF Australasian Female Super Flyweight Championship
Natalie Hills (debut) vs. Linn Sandstrom (1-1, 0 KOs)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Updates from BadLeftHook

[Ruthless-RKO]