Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu Challenges U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Live on SHOWTIME This Saturday, March 26 in Premier Boxing Champions Event from The Armory in Minneapolis
Super Welterweight Bout – 12 Rounds
Tim Tsyzu – 153 ½ lbs.
Terrell Gausha – 153 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Robert Hecko (Ill.), Bill Lerch (Ill.), Patrick Morley (Ill.)
Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Michel Rivera – 136 ½ lbs.
Jospeh Adorno – 136 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Gary Ritter (Okla.), Patrick Morley (Ill.), Tim Taggart, Sr. (Minn.)
Note: Contracted weight is 137 pounds
Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Elvis Rodriguez – 141 ¼ lbs.
Juan Velasco – 141 ½ lbs.
Referee: Gary Ritter; Judges: Scott Erickson (Minn.), Robert Hecko (Ill.), John Mariano (Minn.)
Note: Contracted weight is 142 pounds
Top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu went face-to-face with U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the main event live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, March 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.
The press conference also featured rising lightweight contender Michel Rivera and fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno, who duel in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight Elvis Rodriguez and Juan José Velasco, who square off in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
The son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, Tim Tszyu makes his stateside debut after establishing himself in his native Australia as one of the most dangerous contenders in the stacked 154-pound division. He’ll look to move closer to a world title opportunity with a win over the 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha, who represents the toughest test of Tszyu’s career and most recently knocked out Jamontay Clark in two rounds on SHOWTIME in March 2021.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the W Foshay Minneapolis:
TIM TSZYU
“Gausha has the credentials. He’s fought the best in the division. Having to fight someone like that gives me the chance to prove to everyone who I really am.
“Terrell’s name popped up before my last fight and we happily accepted straight away. At this level, there’s no such thing as easy fights. You have to fight anyone and everyone.
“This is a buzz for me. I’m super excited. We’ve done great things in Australia and sold out arenas in one day. But I needed to come over to America because this is what I’ve always watched throughout my life growing up. To finally experience it is incredible. This is what I live for.
“I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m here to really take over. I believe in what I can do. That’s what’s in my heart and in my destiny.
“I’m going to do what I always do. The game plan is quite simple. I’m going to make as few mistakes as possible and capitalize on his mistakes.
“Everything feels different about this situation but the work is the same and the ring is the same. I’m here to show everything in the ring. Actions speak louder than words.
“This has been a long time in the making. I’m pumped. I’m out of my skin. My father gave me advice about the fight, like what to do and what not to do.
“I don’t know what to expect from fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. At the end of the day, I’m focused on my opponent.
“Me and Terrell are going to produce nonstop action until the final bell rings or before the bell rings. I’m coming with everything. I’ve had a great camp and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m just ready. I’m feeling dangerous. I like this fight. Tim is a good fighter who brings the pressure. It’s going to bring the best out of me to face a fighter like that.
“When I watch Tszyu’s fights, I see that he brings the pressure. That’s just what he does. It’s not something I haven’t seen before. I’m going to go out there and do some things that he hasn’t seen before.
“I’m sure he’s been watching my fights, but I think what he’s been watching is the wrong thing. I don’t think he’s going to be ready for what I’m going to show him Saturday.
“This fight can cement my spot in line for that world title. Tszyu has a lot of backing behind him, he’s young and he’s got a great record. That’s exactly what I want to be up against.
“I feel like I’m just a different kind of opponent than anything he’s ever faced. I’ve trained for a live guy who’s bringing the pressure. But we’ll see how it works out for him on Saturday.
“I just feel like I’m a true super welterweight. I’m not coming up in weight. I feel like I’m strong and I’m not here to be bullied.
“This is a good fight and I’m glad that he took it. I respect Tim for taking a fight like this. We’re going to put on a show for the fans and give them a great fight.
“I prepared great for this fight. We had an injury free camp. I’m in shape and I’m going in there to dominate and deliver action.
“There’s no other way around it. The winner of this fight should get the winner of the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño rematch.”
MICHEL RIVERA
“I’m so focused on this fight. I’ve been in camp for four months and flew to Las Vegas to get more sparring with Mario Barrios. So I’m one million percent ready.
“He’s a good fighter with a good record. Everyone knows I have experience fighting guys I know. My last opponent had the same trainer as me. That’s just boxing. Everyone is going to see that this is the fight of the night.
“I feel great heading into this fight and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’m here to win. Everyone who has watched me knows that I bring a lot of different skills to the ring.
“I want to fight Gervonta Davis. I’m number two for his WBA title and I’m ready for my opportunity. My goal is to face all the champions in the division and be the last man standing.
“Adorno and I support each other when we fight, but it doesn’t matter to me. That’s just boxing. He’s a good guy with a good record and he’s the kind of fighter I want on my record. I have to take advantage of the fights that are presented to me.
“I don’t know if it’s going to go the distance, but I’m ready to go 14 rounds.”
JOSEPH ADORNO
“This is a new Joseph Adorno that you’re going to see. I’m not just relying on my power. We’re putting in the work. This takes whoever wins from prospect to contender. I know what’s on the line.
“I just have to be focused and relaxed in the ring. We both bring spectacular power. I think of the three fights on T.V., we’re going to steal the show.
“Whoever lands the first good punch is going to end this fight. Someone is going to sleep.
“I knew about Michel through us talking online. We initially agreed not to fight. Then my promoter said Rivera is telling people I’m scared to fight. So they gave me his contract signed, and I signed mine right away.
“I’m not going to look like I’m scared. Of course this is a great fight. We’re friendly, but it’s just business.”
ELVIS RODRIGUEZ
“The loss that I suffered motivated me to get back in the gym and work even harder. I was able to come back with a big victory in my last fight and show that the hard work was worth it.
“I plan to put on a great performance again against a tough opponent. My hard work is going to pay off and the fans are going to see a great fight come Saturday.
“You can count on seeing me strumming my air guitar on Saturday night. I’m confident in my training and the foundation that I’ve laid in the gym. You’re going to see my hand raised on Saturday night and music for everybody.”
JUAN JOSE VELASCO
“My defeats are in my past. I learned lessons from them, but I’m focused on the present. I’m ready for this challenge and I’m ready to take things up another level.
“I’m very confident in the weapons that I’ve prepared for this Saturday night. I’ve had a great training camp from start to finish. It’s exactly what I needed heading into this fight.
“I absolutely believe that when I win this fight, I will get a world title shot. I’m glad that Rodriguez is confident, because I’m confident as well. We’re going to provide the fans with a tremendous bout from both of us.”
TIM TSZYU – “We’ve done a few camps here in Las Vegas before so we’re familiar with the terrain out here. It’s not too far to then go to Minneapolis, but it’s a lot warmer here is Las Vegas, so I’m glad I came here first. Adjusting to the time difference was tough at first but I’ve definitely recovered. By the time I arrived in Las Vegas, it was just about sharpening everything up.
“I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win. I’m not here to ‘tip-tap’. If that means going for the knockout, I’ll go for it right away. I’m not here to out-jab someone and win on the scorecards. From the first second when the fight starts, my objective is to take him out. Every second of every round, I’m going to be in front of my opponent’s face.
“This has been a long time in the making. I’ve been keen on making my debut here ever since I beat Jeff Horn [August 2020]. It’s good to finally be here and I’m quite excited to be on this platform. This is a real opportunity for me.
“My dad hasn’t talked to me too much about what to expect fighting in the U.S. Mostly he just reminds me to stay ready, which I always am. I’m a professional and I’m fighting nonstop. I don’t take rests or honeymoons like some of these other fighters.
“It’s a big deal for me to be in this position headlining on SHOWTIME. You dream of it as a kid, and now for it to actually be happening, it’s unreal. I’m the first Australian who’s had their U.S. debut as a headline act, having not even won a world title yet. It shows that what we’ve done so far is pretty good for the moment. We’re here to make statements.
“This is going to be an interesting fight. I’m quite interested to see what he’s going to bring. Gausha has the tools to win. He’s got great skills and quick hands and a good variety of punches. He does the simple things very well. I like those types of styles. I’ve sparred guys like that in the U.S. and it’s a fun style to fight against.
“I don’t look particularly big or strong, but when I get in the ring, I give off that dominance that says ‘this is my ring. This is what I do and you’re coming onto my stage’. I present that dominance straight away and let everyone know.
Tszyu on the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño 154-pound title rematch taking place May 14 on SHOWTIME”
“Charlo is a cautious fighter with power in both hands. He wobbled Castaño a few times. Charlo waits to land that perfect shot and that’s why Castano’s output wasn’t too high in that fight. I thought Castaño fought a great fight and outworked him. Charlo didn’t know what to do at times. I think it’s either going to be Castaño by decision or Charlo by knockout in the rematch.
“I’m coming for everyone in the division. I’m coming for the belts. You have to have confidence in yourself. I believe that I defeat either Charlo or Castaño. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t believe that. I’d take those guys to places they’ve never been and that’s all that matters to me.”
IGOR GOLOUBEV, Tszyu’s Trainer
“Tim is going to make adjustments like he always does, based on what Gausha brings in the first round. Tim is an absolute pressure fighter. He’s going to be right on top of Gausha from the start. There’s going to be no rest and nowhere for him to go. This is going to be fought on the inside.
“Gausha is a crafty fighter. He’s got a good style from his amateur background and he’s also got strong legs and upper body. We’ve seen footage of him and we know that he can punch, that he’ll move, and that he throws lots of jabs. He’s all-around a very good fighter.”