Advertisement

Boxing: Tim Tszyu earns title shot with first round knockout

Tim Tszyu goes straight on the attack against Bowyn Morgan.

Tim Tszyu goes straight on the attack against Bowyn Morgan. Photo: AAP

Much more than a son of a gun, Tim Tszyu has earned his first world title shot with a brutal first-round knockout of Bowyn Morgan.

Tszyu floored the New Zealander twice in the opening 90 seconds to retain his WBO Global and IBF Australasian Super Welterweight title on Wednesday night.

Fast forging his own great career, the son of the legendary Kostya Tszyu is now within reach of his own world title after extending his unbeaten record to 17 fights, including 12 KOs.

The victory means Tszyu could now fight Brian Castano for a world title early next year if current champion Patrick Teixeira isn’t able to meet Castano before January 6.

COVID-19 has complicated that timeline with Teixeira unable to travel from Brazil, and Tszyu is in line to fight Castano for the belt instead –potentially in Australia – early next year.

A crowd of 11,820 was on hand for Sydney’s first stadium fight since Anthony Mundine fought Danny Green in 2006.

Among the sporting celebrities ringside were AFL superstar Dustin Martin, NRL players Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Jack Wighton and Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.

And Tszyu didn’t let them down.

The 26-year-old dominated former world champion Jeff Horn in Townsville four months ago in what was a changing-of-the-guard moment in Australian boxing.

Now he craves more.

“You guys know what’s next – that’s the world title here in Sydney, in Australia and let’s do it 10 times the size of this,” Tszyu said.

Australia deserves this, it’s part of history and I’m Aussie born.

“For my Russian fans also, utmost respect to you guys – this is for everyone.”

Asked who was next, Tszyu said: “That’s the thing, now the list (of potential fighters) goes on.

“For me, I only want one thing and that’s the world title strap here in Australia.

“Thank you to all of you, my fans, I f…ing love you all!” he said, borrowing a line from another former Australian world champion Jeff Fenech, who was also fittingly ringside at Bankwest Stadium.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.