Tim Tszyu Approaching Charlo Undisputed Fight with Cool Confidence
Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) gets his long-awaited title shot when faces undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) on January 28, 2023 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. During a virtual press conference with the boxing media, Tszyu spoke on his feelings about the fight. The 28-year-old from New South Wales, Australia gave the champ his respect.
KEEPING IT COOL
The challenger acknowledges this is the biggest bout of his career. But the WBC/WBO number one contender is not letting the magnitude of the moment get to him. Instead, his focus is on putting in the work preparing for the match.
“I’m not here for a debating contest to say who’s going to win, how am I going to beat him. This isn’t debating for me, and to prove myself. I just have to show it in the ring, that’s it. It’s quite simple. I possess a lot of skills as well, so that’s all that’s needed. January 28, we show it.”
“This actually feels like any other fight. I’m not nervous. I’m nice and relaxed. Everything’s just gone through the motions. I’ve been just grinding it out. It just feels like normal. The occasion is going to be big . . . To me, it’s just like any other fight.”
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
One has to think the calm outward demeanor comes from his dad, one-time undisputed junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu. The two have a close, respectful relationship. Fans and pundits have noted their striking physical resemblance. The son also has a similar fighting style to his father.
Tszyu’s last fight was a ten-round unanimous decision win over Terrell Gaushua in March 2022. It was his American debut. Knocked down in the first round, the Aussie recovered and controlled the rest of the fight. When asked about what he learned from that experience, Tszyu said to fight with fewer emotions and more with his brain.
Using his boxing brain would be wise against Charlo. Ranked seventh in 3Kings Boxing’s Top Ten Fighter Rankings, the defending champ is in his prime. A versatile and well-rounded fighter with power in both hands, Tszyu has to be at his best to win.
But the hard-hitting challenger asked for this assignment. Can Tszyu come to America, follow in his father’s footsteps, and become the first first-generation descendent to become an undisputed champion? Fans will be paying heavy attention in January 2023 to see if he can pull off what would be a historic feat.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
