Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu has branded Alexander Volkanovski “a beast” and predicted, together, the pair are set to become part of a global combat sports revolution.
Already two of the biggest names in sports Down Under, Tszyu is now tipping Volkanovski to shock the world – and break that famed Dagestani wrestling hype — when he headlines for the first time on homesoil against UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev this Sunday.
The undefeated super welterweight’s claim comes after Volkanovski looked in outstanding shape at the official UFC 284 weigh-ins on Saturday, tipping the scales at 154.5lbs in Perth.
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Volk & Islam size up after 284 presser | 00:59
The UFC featherweight king was first onto the scales inside the team hotel, with Australia’s first UFC champion Robert Whittaker declaring: “You know that as soon as the sun came up he was ready to go.
“First on the scales and last on the card, which gives him 30-plus hours to rehydrate and refuel.
“People also don’t give enough credit to his size. He has to cut to make this weight and he’s moving up”.
Then around noon, Volkanovski again proved the undeniable star when he and Makhachev met, amicably, at the official weigh ins.
As had been the case during the previous day’s UFC 284 press conference, Volkanovski received a huge cheer from the raucous crowd at RAC Arena.
One which had lined up for blocks just to catch a glimpse of Australia’s No.1 fighter.
For Makhachev, meanwhile, it was, again, all boos.
“Let’s go,” Volk shouted to the crowd after jumping from the scales before then adding: “Tomorrow we put it on the line … tomorrow I’m coming for f***ing everything.”
And Makachev?
“Love you guys,” he told the same mob soon after. “But tomorrow you’ll be upset.”
The biggest drama off the official weighs in occurred during an undercard square off, when featherweight Melsik Baghdasaryan grabbed briefly at the throat of Australia’s Josh Culibao. The pair were quickly separated however and Culibao laughed the moment off.
The weigh ins were also attended by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI.
The pair, whose energy drink is a UFC sponsor, did a shoey of their product outside the stadium alongside cult favourite Tai Tuivasa.
Behind the scenes, Volkanovski has worked overtime on getting himself ready for the move up against Makhachev who himself was forced to strip off behind a towel before weighing bang on 155lbs.
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“Good,” Volkanovski said after watching his rival make weight.
“He looks healthy so we can expect a full Islam. The crowd gets the fight they wanted.”
Asked about how Makhachev’s cut, which saw him strip right down on the scales, could potentially influence the fight, Volkanovski continued: “I’ve had to cut like that before.
“And obviously it’s a fact that it can get you chinny.
“It can work on your cardio too.
“He hasn’t had to worry about that too much in his last few fights but I’m planning on going to war. If we don’t catch each other early I plan on going to war.
“So let’s see who can last in those later rounds.”
Despite being on a tear that currently stretches 10 years and 22 fights – and sat No. 1 in the UFC pound for pound rankings — Volkanovski remains a $3.75 TAB outsider in betting.
Yet Tszyu predicts the Wollongong native is set to become a key part of Australia’s fighting revolution in 2023 alongside the likes of himself and a host of other rising stars across both boxing and MMA – among them the likes of Jai Opetaia, Justis Huni, Liam Wilson, Sam Goodman, Jimmy Crute, Jack Della Maddalena and Paulo Aokuso.
While Volkanovski remains an almost 4/1 underdog, Tszyu said the odds — apart from giving Australians a great chance to make some real cash — are also reflective of what is set to be a changing narrative for local fighters on the world stage.
“Because Alexander Volkanovski — beast,” Tszyu declared. “And No. 1 pound for pound for a reason.
“He’s not only smashing it up right now, but has all the tools required to stay the best fighter in the UFC.”
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Asked if fighters like himself and Volkanovski had the reputation globally, and particularly Stateside, that was deserving of both their records, Tszyu continued: “Us Aussie fighters may still have a certain reputation (internationally), but mark my words, we’re talking over combat sports.
“We’re actually right on the verge now.
“We’re in such a good place.
“And the greatest thing is, the Aussie fans are right behind us.
“Everyone is interested.
“We’re bringing big fights to Australia, big names, and to have so many of us at that top level now … we really are about to take over.”
Unthinkable not so long ago, Volkanovski and Tszyu can finish 2023 with a staggering six world title belts between them.
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Currently, the undefeated Tszyu is in camp for his own title showdown against American Tony Harrison on March 12, with the pair set to challenge for the interim WBO super welterweight title.
A win will then see Australia’s new boxing face get his hyped shot at the division’s reigning king Jermell Charlo and all four of his belts in Las Vegas later this year.
Asked about the huge risk that is taking on Harrison, rather than waiting for Charlo to return from a broken hand suffered at Christmas, the boxer said: “I’m a fighter.
“This is what I do.
“So I’m not waiting around. I’m here to make big fights.
“I need a challenge to wake up every morning … and this is a challenge.”
And as for the trash talk already coming from his rival?
“Words are exactly that – they’re words,” he shrugged. “So who gives a crap?
“It’s part of the sports.
“And actions speak louder, anyway.”
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