American boxing great Zab Judah says Tim Tszyu is set to be “destroyed” in his upcoming Errol Spence Jnr blockbuster – convinced the Australian’s defensive deficiencies will see another night where “they gotta scrape blood from the ring”.
The declaration comes as US boxing star Brian Norman Jnr has also labelled Tszyu no chance of beating Spence, explaining how the US fighting favourite is “entirely too much” for Australia’s longtime pay-per-view king.
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Fresh off his Easter Sunday win over the previously undefeated Denis Nurja, Tszyu is now on a collision course to face Spence most likely in July, although it is yet to be confirmed if the bout will take place Stateside or Down Under.
However, with ‘The Phoenix’ having already lost three world title attempts, both Judah and Norman have this week delivered their own ominous warnings of more heartache.
In fact, Judah suggested Tszyu has effectively been handpicked for Spence, describing him as the “perfect opponent” for the welterweight division’s former king.
Tszyu vs. Spence? Crawford picks winner | 03:56
Judah, of course, is no stranger to sports fans Down Under, having been brutally stopped by the legendary Kostya Tszyu way back in 2001.
However, when it comes to Tim Tszyu, Judah says the fighter’s style – coupled with several defensive deficiencies – make him the perfect opponent for Spence’s hyped comeback.
“This is the kind of fight that Errol Spence needs, a guy like Tim Tszyu,” the former two-division world champ warned this week.
“And why Tim Tszyu? Because he’s gunna stand right in front of Errol Spence and he’s gunna fight.
“That’s the fight we’ve known Errol Spence to dominate guys in. Anyone who stands in front of Errol Spence, he’s going to destroy them. So this (Tszyu) might be the perfect opponent Errol Spence needs to come back and show the world who Errol Spence really is.”
During an interview with MillCity Boxing, Judah also played down the fact that Spence has been out of the game three years, and was easily beaten by Terence Crawford in his last outing.
“I believe he’s got the perfect opponent (in Tszyu),” he continued. “So let’s minus the Crawford fight, guys.
“Go back before the Crawford fight.
“We know the Big Fish, anyone that stands in front of him … bap.
“So Tim Tszyu possesses the perfect style (for him). He’s going to be right there.
“He lacks a lot of defence, a lot of manoeuvres. And I think that’s where his downfall is going to be at.”
The frank warning comes as Brian Norman Jnr has also given an insight into Spence’s preparations for the Australian, while two US trainers have declared Tszyu capable of an upset (see column item below).
Elsewhere, Judah also praised Tszyu’s grit by opening the segment with: “We’re gunna get into some boxing with the Tim Tszyu blood bank. He come in and they gotta scrape up the blood from the ring. He’s wild.”
Later, the former world champ continued of the Aussie: “He’s a very tough fighter.
“He comes forward. Has a lot of heart. But with that walk down style … that’s going to be ooooh, watch. Watch what I say. No cap.”
Tszyu v Nurja: Fight Highlights | 04:53
TEREMOANA’S SHOCK ANTHONY JOSHUA REVEAL
Australian heavyweight sensation Teremoana Jnr has declared himself ready to be world champion within 18 months – and thanks to a little help from English megastar Anthony Joshua.
Currently on an undefeated tear of 10 straight finishes, Teremoana is now readying to face longtime Aussie mainstay Bowie Tupou on Matchroom’s upcoming Melbourne showcase on April 29.
Speaking with Fighting Words this week, the 28-year-old revealed how, immediately after this fight is done, promoter Eddie Hearn will be jetting him to the UK — with talks already underway to start sparring some “well known” names.
The Brisbane-based slugger also suggested he wants to fight a staggering eight times this year.
Given Hearn looks after Joshua, there appears a strong chance Teremoana’s impending UK move could involve plenty of time with AJ, who is himself in talks for a showdown against Tyson Fury.
While remaining tight-lipped on everything coming, Teremoana confirmed himself keen to spar not only Joshua, but also Fury, Joseph Parker and new WBO heavyweight champ Fabio Wardley.
Quizzed on his plans for this year, Teremoana started: “The April fight will be my second this year.
“And then after that, we’ve still got another eight months to go. So if I can fight six times through there, that would be awesome.
“I just want to keep building. That way by the end of next year we can be fighting for a world title. That’s the goal.”
And as for whispers about him working with Joshua?
“I don’t want to say any names just yet,” he said. “But I know there’s been talks about me doing work with a few heavyweights who are well known.
“Eddie has already said after this fight I’ll head over to the UK for a camp.
“And it would definitely be great to work with those guys.
“AJ, Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, even Fabio Wardley … I’m still learning the craft and to go a long way I need that experience.
“But nothing has come to fruition just yet. Although when it does, (laughs) I’ll definitely be posting it all over socials to show everyone.”
Tyson Fury issues explosive AJ callout | 01:13
AUSSIE’S BLOCKBUSTER CANELO ALVAREZ TEST
He’s been dubbed Australia’s most exciting fighter, and now Callum Peters is set to take on the biggest test of his undefeated career – a hyped Californian who works with no less than Canelo Alvarez.
Having opened his career with six straight wins, 23-year-old Peters is now readying to throw down against American Joeshon James on the undercard of Nikita Tszyu’s upcoming Newcastle showcase on May 6.
While the fight represents a huge step up in class for the 2024 Olympian, No Limit boss George Rose has boldly declared the decision is all about “showing people what Callum’s really capable of”.
Training out of Sacramento, 27-year-old James has only one loss in his 13 professional fights, and even that came against the current interim WBC super middleweight champ Lester Martinez.
Elsewhere, the American has also spent time working with Canelo Alvarez, and was part of the boxing megastar’s camp as he prepared for what would be a 2023 clinic against Jermell Charlo.
“So Joeshon James is a proper American test,” Rose said. “He’s been in camp with Canelo Alvarez and has seen the very top of the game up close. He’s tough, he’s seasoned and he’ll come expecting to win. That’s exactly the sort of opponent you want if you’re serious about finding out where a young fighter is really at.
“And Callum Peters is built for this. He’s got that David Benavidez-type mentality and style. Pressure, confidence and bad intentions. We think this is the fight where a lot more people start paying attention. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Callum is Australia’s most exciting fighter. No one comes close to his presence and personality inside and outside the ring … and this is about showing people what Callum’s really capable of”.
Tszyu ready for ‘big fish’ after win | 02:41
HEARN’S $60M FIGHT OFFER FOR DANA WHITE
Eddie Hearn says he is absolutely down for a fight with Dana White, convinced a Netflix headliner would draw over one million viewers – and earn each man $30 million.
Only weeks after being branded “a p***y” by Zuffa Boxing boss White – and challenged to a showdown inside the ring – Hearn has now accepted and, with a wink, warned of his “f***ing blistering hand speed”.
Speaking with IFL TV about the challenge this week, Hearn said: “Listen, this whole thing started because Dana said ‘Eddie wouldn’t box me’.
“Now (though, he’s saying) I’m a pussy, we’re bums and it would go at the start of a night.
“No, the f*** it wouldn’t. It would go main event on Netflix.
“It’s probably the biggest fight out there right now. Other than AJ against Fury …”
Pushed on the idea of generating a million buys, Hearn continued: “Minimum. Easy.
“And he keeps calling me a pussy, yeah? So if you wanna know if I’m a pussy, get in the ring and I’ll show you who’s a pussy you cheeky bastard.
“I’m unbelievable on the speed ball.
“He’s called me out for a fight and I’m in. I’m training every day, ripped to shreds, f***ing blistering hand speed. Unbelievable. I’m ready.
“You put 50/50 in a pot – and I know they’re not used to this model – but we’ll split the revenue with the fighters. Me and him. Fifty-fifty. If a broadcaster wants to come in, they can take 10 to 15 per cent of the pay-per-view. You eat what you kill.
“We’ll make 30 million each. I’m in.”
NAS v Wallace: Fight Highlights | 04:47
TSZYU’S CAMP WARNING
American welterweight Brian Norman Jnr says Errol Spence “is going to be entirely too much” for Tim Tszyu after having spent time training alongside the longtime boxing superstar in Texas.
Speaking with Brian Custer on The Last Stand this week, Norman was asked how Tszyu handles Spence, who he is now training alongside in the States.
“It’s going to be a great fight,” said the man who lost his WBO crown to Devin Haney last November. “But I feel like the program we got going on over here is going to be entirely too much for Tim.
“When he (Spence) came into the gym, his main aim was to outwork everyone. He’s 36 years old, took three years off, he’s supposed to be the old cat who is off of his game. But he’s not only still pushing the pace, but looking sharp while doing it.”
Soon after, Norman continued of a recent training session with Spence: “I was running five miles with him and, halfway through, we started talking back and forth, and he was telling me where his head is at. And mentally, he’s ready. Whoever he fights next, they’re in trouble.”
Tszyu reacts to Crawford tipping Spence! | 02:00
SPENCE FEARS LOSING TUNE UP
Elsewhere, US trainers Robert Garcia and Derrick James are both convinced Tim Tszyu is capable of upsetting Errol Spence Jnr in what will most likely be a July bout in either Australia or the US.
In fact, Garcia suggested this week that Spence’s reason for going straight into Tszyu is simple – he fears losing a tune up fight.
“When it comes to boxing, a fighter that has been out for what, three or four years, and wants to come back, it’s normal to take a tune up fight,” Garcia said. “And in Spence’s last performance against Crawford, he looked really bad. So three or four years later? He can’t be better.
“And if a fighter is planning a comeback and not taking a tune up fight … and you looked horrible in your last performance … maybe he feels he might fail in a tune up fight. That’s why he goes straight into a fight for a couple of million dollars.”
Later, Garcia continued: “If he beats the s*** out of Tim Tszyu then he’s back and I’m happy for him. But if there’s a reason for him not taking a tune up, maybe he knows (there’s) not have much left so he’s going straight for the big payday.”
James, meanwhile, told FightHype: “Tim Tszyu is a very tough fighter. And you have to be able to use your feet, and you gotta be able to box. Because if not, he’s going to try to bang you out. So you have to be prepared for that.”
Chisora takes aim at Piers Morgan! | 00:40
“REAL PROBLEM” FOR VOLKANOVSKI
Daniel Cormier believes the version of Aaron Pico on display at UFC 327 is a genuine threat to UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski.
Pico squared off with former Bellator star Patricio “Pitbull” Freire on Saturday’s card in Miami and looked sensational en route to a decision victory.
Cormier, who was on commentary duties for the UFC, said afterwards that Pico’s performance sent a warning to the entire featherweight division.
“Aaron Pico looked as good as he’s ever looked in his entire life,” Cormier said. “He was fast, he was quick as we all know he is. He used wrestling, and he was patient. I think that was probably the most impressive thing.
“Guys, I will tell you this. If the Aaron Pico that showed up tonight fights that way all the time, he’s a problem for Movsar (Evloev). He’s a problem for Volkanovski, Diego Lopes, and everybody else. His skillset is so complete. If he can fight right, he’s a real problem for everyone.”
Once hailed as one of the greatest prospects in MMA history, Pico has already suggested he’d have the edge if he ever faced Volk.
“I really think I can knock (Volkanovski) out. I think my power is there with the best in the world,” Pico said. “He’s never fought a guy with the caliber of wrestling I have, but yeah, I do think I could stop him.”
The “Windang Warrior” fired back, backing himself to dominate the matchup.
“I’d reckon I’d crumble (Pico) in the wrestling department,” Volkanovski said. “His best bet is to obviously try and land a big shot. Other than that, I mop the floor with him.”
Fundora STOPS Thurman after ‘Beating!’ | 00:58
ZERAFA KEEN TO MEET WITH HEARN
Michael Zerafa is keen to meet with the Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn in Melbourne later this month, with the Australian boxing bad boy convinced he can fight UK superstar Chris Eubank Down Under this year.
Zerafa says while several promoters have already expressed interest in staging the event, he would be open to meeting with Hearn when in town for Matchroom’s April 29 show headlined by Skye Nicolson.
While the UK promoter has a highly contentious relationship with Eubank, Zerafa says a fight between himself and the man coming off consecutive stadium blockbuster against Conor Benn makes sense.
“This one would be great in Australia, and Melbourne in particular,” he said. “There’s a genuine opportunity to have Eubank down here to create something special.”
UFC CHAMP’S $100K CAR BUY
Carlos Ulberg was only hours into being UFC light heavyweight champ this week when we asked about spending the $100,000 bounty accompanying it.
“You know what, I haven’t thought too much about it,” Ulberg said, speaking from his Miami hotel room shortly after kayoing Jiri Prochazka, and on one leg, at UFC 327. “I think it will probably be investments, man.”
At which point, we suggested the new champ would have to treat himself to something, right?
Especially given under the UFC’s new broadcasting deal, those performance bonuses handed out by Dana White have doubled — one of which Ulberg now has courtesy of that brutal check left hook.
“There could be something actually,” the Aucklander continued, grinning now. “My last purchase (after winning a bonus), I bought myself a Harley Davidson.
“So this time around, I might buy myself a car. Something to represent this fight. I just need to figure out what I need. (Laughs) Maybe a Sunday cruise car … something where I can put the top down and cruise around with the wind blowing in my hair’.”
Aussie delivers ‘SCARY’ round 1 KO | 00:29
AUSSIE GREAT’S HEARTBREAKING CANCER BATTLE
Aussie boxing great Shannan Taylor has revealed he is facing the toughest fight of his life after being diagnosed with late-stage cancer.
“The Bulli Blaster” shared the heartbreaking news in an emotional message to fans last week, confirming the disease has spread to his liver and bowel.
“I always wanted one more fight…” he wrote on social media.
“Well my fans, friends and family… I got it.
“The doctors confirmed today that I have stage 4 cancer. It is in my liver and my bowel.
“So this will be the fight of my life, and I plan to attack it the same way I prepared for all my fights – give my all.
“I don’t know any other way.”
The 53-year-old Wollongong fighter is best remembered for his 2001 showdown with American superstar Shane Mosley for the WBC welterweight title at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Known for his fearless style, Taylor compiled an outstanding professional record of 52 wins, including 37 by knockout.
Fans can support the Bulli Blaster in the biggest fight of his life through his GoFundMe page.
TEREMOANA DELIVERED WARNING BY RIVAL
While Teremoana’s team may already be planning his upcoming UK getaway, impending rival Bowie Tupou is quietly readying for what would be one of the great Australian boxing upsets.
While none of Teremoana’s past seven rivals have gone beyond the first round, Tupou has vowed to take the unbeaten slugger deep into a bout scheduled for eight rounds on the undercard of Skye Nicolson.
“Everyone Teremoana’s faced so far – they’ve fought his fight,” Tupou said. “You know that.
“But against a guy like that, I have to fight smart. Take him deep into the rounds.
“I’m not going in there to fight his fight.
“I’ve also fought a lot of tall guys throughout my career. And I’ve got the experience that will allow me to fight smarter.
“So I’ll use the first round to work out where he’s at, then the second and third rounds to start working on him. See where he’s at.
“And if he is still handling all the pressure I bring by that point, then maybe we take him deeper again. See if he can go six rounds, seven rounds …”