Home Boxing ‘Absolutely in the mix’: Tszyu’s big US reveal as new name emerges on his Aussie’s t-shirt ‘hitlist’

‘Absolutely in the mix’: Tszyu’s big US reveal as new name emerges on his Aussie’s t-shirt ‘hitlist’

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‘Absolutely in the mix’: Tszyu’s big US reveal as new name emerges on his Aussie’s t-shirt ‘hitlist’

Tim Tszyu is jetting off to Thailand this Saturday to begin preparations for a Las Vegas world title blockbuster that has American Erickson Lubin “absolutely in the mix” of contenders.

Less than a month after defending his new WBO strap against Brian Mendoza, Tszyu is now back in training for a hyped ‘Australia versus America’ card being pitched by No Limit for March 2.

So excited is Tszyu by the proposal – which would take place on the same weekend as the NRL season launch in Sin City – he has already organised a Thailand camp to begin preparations.’

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The undefeated Aussie also backed suggestions from US legend Shawn Porter that his next strap defence should be against Lubin.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia on Wednesday night – having just watched younger brother Nikita win the Australian super welterweight title – Tim said he was keen to co-headline a Las Vegas show with his sibling.

While the champ would not give a prediction on how likely the card was — “you need to speak with the No Limit boys” – he stressed March 2 was definitely the date he is now working towards.

In fact, ‘The Soul Taker’ will head overseas this Saturday to begin preparations for what is now a shortening hit list of potential rivals.

Nikita Tszyu and Tim Tszyu. CREDIT: NO LIMIT BOXING
Nikita Tszyu and Tim Tszyu. CREDIT: NO LIMIT BOXINGSource: Supplied

When quizzed on who Tszyu would fight against in Las Vegas, No Limit promoter George Rose suggested that former unified king Jermell Charlo remained the No.1 option.

However Rose confirmed there was now a new name on that famed Tszyu hitlist which, boasting names like Charlo, Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr, has even inspired a t-shirt range.

“Charlo would obviously be the best,” Rose said when asked what was coming for the champ.

“And a fight we’d all love.

“But it isn’t something we will be holding our breath over.

“So of course if we can get belts too, we go for belts.

“But if not we go for a fight that makes sense in America.

“And generally that’s against either an American or Mexican.”

Told that sounded like Lubin was right in the mix, Rose replied: “Erickson Lubin is absolutely in the mix.

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“And at the moment there aren’t many other people in the division that would make sense for a Las Vegas fight.

“But there are discussions with every option available.”

So as for a deadline to make the card a reality?

“We want to lock it away within the next few weeks,” Rose stressed.

“And before our December 15 card in Sydney.

“That way based on the outcomes of that December card, we can then push on with next year.”

So as for how convinced Tszyu is of it happening?

“Well, I leave Saturday for Thailand,” he grinned backstage in his brother’s jubilant dressing room.

“So my preparation begins then.

“And I’ll be hoping to get a call in the next three weeks that it’s on.

“Because it’s going to be a massive platform involving plenty of Aussie fans.

“It’s a no brainer.”

So what chance Lubin?

“Whoever,” Tszyu shrugged. “But March 2 is the date I want.”

Tim Tszyu celebrates victory against Brian Mendoza. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Asked about he and his brother being part of the same Las Vegas card, the champ continued: “This is about creating history, creating moments that people can be excited about.

“That’s what boxing is about.

“It’s about the names you beat. The moments you create.

“That’s the most important thing.”

Tszyu also praised his brother for beating Australia’s youngest boxing champion Dylan Biggs.

Despite being dropped in the first round, Nikita rallied quickly, and brutally, to finish it in the fifth.

While Biggs had told reporters through the week that his rival faded in fights, inside the Newcastle Entertainment Centre the opposite proved true as ‘The Butcher’ finished round after round stronger.

“I think he was exceptional,” Tim said.

“Besides that little first round ‘encounter’, he was in total control.

“Very clinical.

“And even when he dropped, I knew he was alright straight away.

“Could see his legs were fine.

“When Nikita got rattled against Jack Brubaker, it was completely different.

“This one was fine.

“Flash knockdown.”

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Asked about Biggs’ performance, he said: “I could see the inexperience.

“Every round he would start well for the first minute and then fade.

“So what Nikita did, he controlled for the first minute then picked it up for the next two, which also then contributed to Dylan fading.

“Nikita’s fitness and conditioning was well on top.

“They were really on the idea that it was going to be the other way around … it wasn’t.

“Biggs’ legs were gone after round four.

“Even in the first round after the knockdown, Nikita came back and rocked him.”

Later, he continued of his brother: “Look at his face. It’s not marked up.

“His defence was nice and tight.

“And while he was getting hit with some certain shots, that’s all a learning experience.”

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