Ahead of the biggest fight of Tim Tszyu’s boxing career against undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo on January 28, the Aussie was a man of few words at Wednesday’s press conference (all times AEDT).
In fact, the challenger was even laid back and declared he saw it as just another fight.
However Tszyu did take exception to a comment about his win over 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha – his first in America – earlier this year.
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Tszyu was probed about criticism towards his ability against boxers with “immense talent, athleticism and ring smarts” – attributes compared to Charlo.
The Aussie bluntly responded: “Did I win though? That doesn’t make any sense man. If I lost, then I’d understand, but I won.
“So I can’t really answer that question.”
After suffering a first-round knockdown against Gausha, Tszyu recovered and dominated the rest of the match to win by unanimous decision and remain undefeated at 21-0.
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The Aussie noted the early setback against Gausha was just that – and explained how bouncing back from adversity is his mantra.
“As soon as I went down, I wasn’t hurt or nothing, just a little flash. Then I dominated for the rest of the fight,” he said.
“Gausha, he’s no bum. They didn’t just find him out of nowhere, he’s a talented opponent. He went to the Olympics and he had a great career.
“Tyson Fury went down … everyone’s been (down). Whatever life throws at you, just get back up – that’s my mentality.”
The stakes go up a notch now though when Tszyu takes on Charlo (35-1-1) on January 28 in Las Vegas where the ‘Iron Man’ will defend his undisputed title for the first time.
Tszyu has previously described Charlo as “angry” and “arrogant” for the way he acted in his press conference after beating Brian Castana last year to win the world championship, noting the American was “going off at different reporters.”
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Expanding on those comments, Tszyu said: “I was like, man, this guy just won the undisputed world championship, have a smile on your face at least.”
It drew a prickly response from the 32-year old Charlo, who insisted he does things his own way.
“I’m about my business – I ain’t arrogant, I’m humble. I’ve been through humble lessons in life. I’ve been places and things he’s never done,” the defending champion said.
“I’m not enjoying my fight with your Australian media asking me questions. If y’all wanted to ask me questions after the fight, y’all should’ve called up and ask how much it’s going to cost to get an interview with me.
“Don’t bomb rush my moment of enjoying my life after going through some tough rounds and ask me about him (Tszyu).
“I’m at the top the dog, I’m not going to be wasting time, I don’t care about you calling about me being arrogant.
“You’re wrong – I take care about more people than you’ve ever seen … you can’t tell me how to act or how to be.”
Tzyu’s shot at the tile on January 27 comes exactly 27 years after his famous father Kostya fought for the world title for the first time as well in Vegas.
While it has the feel of a date with destiny, Tzyu doesn’t believe in such philosophies.
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Instead, he’s simply gearing up for his biggest test yet against the man who’s widely ranked as the best active light middleweight.
“I don’t usually believe in fate – I think destiny and fate is something you have to work for,” Tzyu said. “It doesn’t matter about the bloodline, it’s what you put into it.
“I’ve been eyeing this fight out for maybe two years now. I’ve been looking and studying and obsessing over it … this is it, kill or be killed.
“It’s been a long time in the making for me, I’ve been chasing this, so I’m glad it’s finally come and I’m excited to get this opportunity.
“Christmas and all that doesn’t matter, there’s one task in mind. I came to America three weeks ago for a purpose – not to just come here for the fight – but my plan is for victory.
“I came here to adapt a bit earlier and I’ll be 100 per cent ready.”
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Meanwhile Charlo was also full of confidence ahead of the showdown, saying his Aussie opponent isn’t on his level.
He even downplayed Tszyu’s championship credentials, saying there’s numerous fighters in the division better than the Australia.
“I don’t underestimate anyone, but Tim Tszuyu is not the calibre of Jermell Charlo,” he said.
“Your father has done some things in boxing and we understand it’s bloodline thing – and I feel you.
“But my pedigree is strong and my pedigree has bee proven and has been destined for all of these years and times.
“He’s young and hungry, but I’m young and hungry as well.
“I’m at a good peak and prime of my life, and I’m going to challenge myself January 28th.”
