The Spence vs. Tszyu prelims this weekend feature Australian Olympians Paulo Aokuso and Tina Rahimi on the undercard before the super fight. versus Tim Tszyu super fight. Their bouts will stream live on Prime Video and DAZN, kicking off the major event from Afterpay Arena in Sydney, Australia.
The action begins on Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT for American viewers, with the main event unfolding on Sunday, July 26, in Australia. Aokuso, an unbeaten light heavyweight, will clash with the Dominican Republic’s Luis Antonio Tejeda in a 10-round contest.
Australian Olympians headline crucial Spence-Tszyu prelims
Meanwhile, Rahimi makes her professional debut in a four-round bantamweight affair against Sacha Ryan Dryden, adding a layer of historical significance to the evening.
The inclusion of two prominent Australian Olympians on such a high-profile card underscores the growing strength and ambition of Australian boxing. These preliminary bouts aren’t just curtain-raisers; they’re a platform for local stars to shine on an international stage, drawing significant attention before the main event.
It’s a strategic move by promoters No Limit Boxing, The Rose Brothers, Man Down Promotions, and TGB Promotions to build local interest and global viewership. Showcasing emerging talent alongside a pound-for-pound spectacle like Spence-Tszyu ensures maximum exposure for these fighters and for the sport in the region.
Paulo Aokuso faces toughest test against Luis Antonio Tejeda
Undefeated light heavyweight Paulo Aokuso, who represented Australia at the 2020 Olympics, brings a pristine 10-0 record with five knockouts into his clash with Luis Antonio Tejeda. Aokuso, 29, has consistently proven his mettle since turning professional in April 2022, notably overcoming experienced contenders like Yuniesky Gonzalez.
His impressive career also includes a victory over the previously unbeaten Shukhrat Abdullaev. Most recently, Aokuso secured another win in PBC action in April, stopping Kittipong Jian Hao Ho. This steady progression has marked him as one of Australia’s brightest prospects in the division.
Tejeda’s international debut presents a formidable challenge
Luis Antonio Tejeda, a 27-year-old from El Seibo, Dominican Republic, arrives with an equally unblemished 12-0-1 record, including nine knockouts. This fight marks his first professional outing outside his homeland, a significant step up for the power-punching light heavyweight.
Tejeda has been active since turning pro in 2023, demonstrating formidable stopping power by finishing four of his last five opponents. His most recent performance saw him secure a fourth-round knockout against Vikensi Mateo in February. His aggressive style and impressive knockout ratio suggest he won’t be an easy opponent for Aokuso.
This battle of undefeated light heavyweights holds immense stakes for both men. For Aokuso, it’s an opportunity to validate his prospect status against an international challenger. For Tejeda, it’s a chance to announce his arrival on the global scene with a statement victory against an Olympian.
Tina Rahimi’s groundbreaking professional debut
The spotlight also falls on Tina Rahimi, who is set to make her highly anticipated professional debut in a four-round bantamweight contest. Rahimi earned widespread recognition as the first Australian Muslim woman boxer to compete in the Olympics, representing her nation at the 2024 Summer Games.
The 30-year-old of Iranian heritage boasts an accomplished amateur career, highlighted by a bronze medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her transition to the professional ranks is a significant moment for both her career and for women’s boxing in Australia.
Dryden provides early test for Olympic debutant
Rahimi will square off against Queensland, Australia’s Sacha Ryan Dryden, who carries a professional record of 2-2. Dryden fought twice in 2025, first defeating then-undefeated Stasia Waimaria by decision in February before losing a 10-round decision to Tywarna Campbell in May. This experience provides her with an edge over a debutante.
Dryden’s professional experience means Rahimi isn’t getting an easy introduction to the paid ranks. It’s a strategic matchup designed to test the Olympian’s adaptability and skills under the bright lights of a major boxing event. A strong performance from Rahimi would instantly cement her as a significant new force in the bantamweight division.
Rahimi’s debut carries cultural and sporting significance, showcasing the increasing diversity within Australian boxing. Her journey from Olympian to professional fighter will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes. It also highlights the growing interest in women’s boxing globally, with more eyes on rising stars like Rahimi.
The main event: Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu
These compelling preliminary bouts set the stage for the main event, a four-fight pay-per-view card featuring Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against Australian superstar Tim Tszyu. The main event is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Spence Jr., a former unified three-belt world champion and widely regarded as a pound-for-pound great, faces a pivotal showdown against Tszyu. Tszyu himself is a former world champion and holds a significant following in his home country, guaranteeing an electric atmosphere in Sydney.
This matchup represents a crucial moment for both fighters’ careers. For Spence, it’s a chance to reassert his dominance at the elite level. For Tszyu, it’s an opportunity to claim his biggest scalp yet and solidify his position among the sport’s best, making the overall card a must-watch for boxing enthusiasts.
Rising tide for Australian boxing talent
The prominence of Aokuso and Rahimi on this card speaks volumes about the current state of Australian boxing. The country is enjoying a resurgence, producing a steady stream of Olympic-level talent transitioning to successful professional careers. This event provides a valuable global platform for these athletes.
Beyond individual triumphs, these fights contribute to a broader narrative of Australia establishing itself as a significant player in the international boxing landscape. Hosting major pay-per-view events like Spence-Tszyu, with strong local support on the undercard, helps cultivate a vibrant domestic scene and attract further investment.
The success of fighters like Tszyu, and the promising starts of Aokuso and Rahimi, generate considerable public interest. This, in turn, encourages more young Australians to participate in the sport, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for years to come. It’s a virtuous cycle for boxing Down Under.
What to expect on fight night in Sydney
Fans descending upon Afterpay Arena can expect a night filled with high-stakes boxing from start to finish. The prelims, featuring the unbeaten Aokuso and the debutante Rahimi, promise competitive action and a glimpse into the future of the sport.
The atmosphere will likely be charged from the opening bell, with Australian fans eager to support their local heroes. With the main event featuring two globally recognized names, the entire evening is set to be a spectacle. Boxing enthusiasts are looking forward to a night of compelling contests and potential breakout performances.
For those watching from home, the seamless streaming across Prime Video and DAZN ensures accessibility for a broad audience. It highlights the modern approach to distributing major boxing events, bringing the action directly to fans worldwide. The combination of established stars and burgeoning prospects creates a dynamic viewing experience.
