Australian boxing superstar Tim Tszyu has laughed off American rival Tony Harrison ‘running his mouth’ ahead of their upcoming world title bout, saying he ‘couldn’t care less’ about his opponents verbal jabs and mind-games.
But the undefeated Aussie (21-0, 15 KOs) has hit back at loudmouth Harrison’s offer of friendship, calling him ‘a bit of a tripper’ and promising there’ll be ‘no kisses and hugs’ when they face off in Sydney in March.
And Tszyu told foxsports.com.au that he will leave his opponent ‘in shock’ at his skills in the ring, promising a knockout victory to earn the WBC super-welterweight interim world title.
After January’s scheduled world title bout against unified champion Jermell Charlo was cancelled when Charlo suffered a broken left hand, Tszyu’s No Limit promoters acted quickly to lock in former world champion Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) for a title fight on Sunday March 12 in Qudos Bank Arena.
If Tszyu wins, he will likely next face Charlo with all four junior middleweight titles and the undisputed title of 154 pound champion of the world.
Watch the return of Tim Tszyu as he faces former world champion Tony Harrison LIVE on Main Event on Kayo Sports, Sunday 12 Mar from 12pm AEDT. No Kayo subscription needed. ORDER NOW >
Harrison: Charlo would’ve smashed Tszyu | 01:26
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‘I need to call HR’: Tszyu rival offers virtual hug before blasting Aussie in crazy presser
At Wednesday’s announcement, the quick-talking Harrison was friendly towards Tszyu – but equally dismissive of the Aussie’s ability in the ring.
Speaking live form Detroit via video link, Harrison repeatedly mimed hugging the 28-year-old Australian, thanking him for giving him a second chance at a world title.
“For him to say yes to a guy like me, he woke me up out of the dead,” Harrison said.
“I’m hugging you. You brought me back to life,” while adding: “I just want to be friends.”
Speaking to reporters after the press conference, Tszyu declared there would be: “no kisses and hugs” come March.
And while he may have woken Harrison’s career ‘from the dead’, Tszyu told foxsports.com.au he’ll put Harrison straight back to sleep – and end any chance of Harrison fighting for another world title in the future.
“That’s the plan: To end it. It’s his last hurrah. He’s going to be finished.”
Despite his friendly exterior, Harrison was happy to talk down about his rival, declaring the Australian would have been beaten ‘easily’ by Charlo, claiming Tszyu’s skills were lacking and he was not deserving of a world title shot.
“There’s so many people I could put in front of him (for a title fight),” Harrison claimed. “He took the elevator, I took the stairs.”
‘How did he get there?’ Tszyu called out | 02:09
Tszyu was restrained during the press conference, refusing to engage in verbal stoushes with the loud-talking American.
The unbeaten Australian told foxsports.com.au afterwards: “He’s a bit of a tripper, man. He’s got a lot to say and he’s very opinionated. A lot of boxers are, they’re very opinionated. Sometimes everyone gets confused that it’s like a debating contest.
“For me, this isn’t a debating contest, this is a sport.” Pointing to the ring taking centre stage in Qudos Bank Arena, Tszyu declared: “And my work starts here!”
Fresh off a 10-week training camp in the United States – the camp that should have concluded with him fighting Charlo for all the belts – Tszyu looks intently focused but completely at ease back on home soil.
“I’m relaxed, I’m really relaxed,” he told foxsports.com.au. “There’s no need to get winded (up) over things. Even in the press conference, when this guy’s running his mouth – let him talk. Let him say it. I really couldn’t care less.”
But there’s one dig the Australian took umbrage with: Harrison’s claim that the Australian was merely ‘a tough guy’ rather than a highly skilled boxer.
Asked if he will surprise Harrison with his technical ability in the ring, Tszyu told foxsports.com.au: “For sure. On the outside, I understand. On the outside it looks different to what it feels on the inside. The main thing is when I get in the ring here he’s gonna be in shock. That’s the best part.”
As for what will happen come March 12?
“I will knock him out,” Tszyu says. “It will end before the 12th.”
Australia would have another world champion, two decades after his hall-of-fame father Kostya last fought for a global title.
And 35-year-old Harrison’s hopes of earning another world title fight would be all-but-over.
But Tszyu says there’s one reason his American rival shouldn’t be so upset if – or when – that happens.
“He’s full of personality, a good talker. He’s definitely got a career outside of boxing afterwards.”
Just don’t expect them to be friends.