By Jake Tiernan: Tim Tszyu says he believes in giving his opponents respect, but on Saturday, he will bring the “animal” in him out when he gets in the ring with Tony Harrison in their fight for the WBO interim junior middleweight title.
This is easily the most crucial fight of Tszyu’s seven-year career, as he’s facing his best opponent former WBC 154-lb champion Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs), with a lot at stake.
The winner of the Tszyu vs. Harrison fight will challenge Jermell Charlo for his undisputed junior middleweight championship later this year.
Harrison believes he’s got a greenhorn who is fighting above his head against him, and he plans on taking advantage of Tszyu’s lack of experience against world class opposition by giving him a boxing lesson he won’t soon forget.
A loss for Tszyu would be devastating because he’ll miss out on the chance to fight Jermell for his four belts, and it could take years to rebuild to get back in position for a world title shot.
Tszyu-Harrison will fight this Saturday, March 11, on Showtime at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The card kicks off at 10:45 ET.
“I’m the same thing. I’m really not that angry and that dirty,” said Tim Tszyu to Sporting News Australia, reacting to being asked about Tony Harrison being friendly and personable towards him during the build-up of their fight on Saturday night in Sydney.
“Boxing teaches respect, and when we get in the ring, that’s when the animal in me is going to come out.
“It’s great. We started this journey, and it’s great that we’ve reached these heights,” said Tszyu, discussing how he and his promoters, ‘No Limits,’ have come a long way over the years.
“I’m good, bro. I’m fresh; I feel like I’m ready to go. This stuff doesn’t distract me from the main goal,” said Tszyu when asked if there’s a risk that with all the stuff going on around him with the promotion that there’s a risk that he’ll be drained by the time he enters the ring on Saturday night against Harrison.
“They know what’s going on, that’s why,” said Tszyu about him being a heavy favorite with the oddsmakers. They don’t take it to chance. I think there’s plenty of talent here in Australia, and I’m blessed to be in that talent. I think we’re in a good space for Aussie boxing at the moment,” said Tszyu.
