Tim Tszyu has confirmed himself ready to be catapulted straight into a world title blockbuster against WBO super welterweight champ Xander Zayas, saying: “I’ve just beaten one Puerto Rican, let’s go for the main one”.
The declaration comes as Tszyu also announced himself willing to turn around in just 10 weeks’ time to headline a potential No Limit fight card on the same weekend as the NRL season launch in Las Vegas.
Despite dropping three consecutive world title fights against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu is suddenly again in the mix for gold after earning a comprehensive decision win against previously unbeaten American puncher Anthony Velazquez.
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Fighting inside the TikTok Entertainment Centre, Tszyu secured a shutout on two of three judges’ scorecards – with his only blemish coming when one ringside official scored the ninth 10-each.
But as for finding relief in victory?
“Nah,” Tszyu shrugged, “I still want to get back to where I want to be. Back with the big boys.”
Which explains why immediately after the fight, Tszyu confirmed there were already discussions underway about him facing the winner of a January showdown between WBO champ Xander Zayas and his WBA counterpart, Abass Baraou.
“And you know me,” Tszyu grinned when asked about potentially going straight into that challenge, “I’ve always shot for the stars.
“The boys were mentioning Xander Zayas and I was like ‘yeah, oath’.
“I’m ready to go now.
“Give me Xander Zayas now.
“Let’s go.”
While Tszyu never officially finished Velazquez on Wednesday night, the former world champ came close on several occasions, while also leaving the son of Puerto Rican parents with an ugly cut under his left eye.
“So I’ve just beaten one Puerto Rican,” he grinned, “let’s go for the main one”.
No Limit promoter George Rose agreed, saying of Tszyu’s chances against either Zayas or Baraou: “I think he’s ready for anyone.
“If that’s the fight he wants, that’s the fight we’ll work towards.
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“That is one thing we always do, whatever he wants we make it happen. He shoots for the stars and we take him there.”
Elsewhere, Tszyu also confirmed himself in the mix to headline on the same weekend as NRL Las Vegas.
“Possibly, yeah,” he said. “I’ve just heard little rumours.
“When is it? End of February?
“That sounds about right for me. I want to stay active this year.
“But whatever, man.”
Asked how quickly he wants to get back to Miami, and more work with new coach Pedro Diaz, Tszyu grinned: “Man, I just spent 10 weeks there.
“And I’ve only had one week at home. Maybe a week or two with my wife would be nice.
“Then I’ll go after that.”
Speaking about how differently he had fought under new coach Diaz, Tszyu also suggested his performance had been more patient and measured.
“[Previously] I’m always trying to get the kayo,” he said. “And unfortunately, sometimes when you try too hard, you tense up.
“You make mistakes.
“And I’ve paid for that. I’ve learned my lesson.
“So I feel like now if the knockout comes, it comes.”
Tszyu also hailed the toughness of Velazquez.
“My opponent was game, man,” he said. “And was always loading up with a counter.
“And his counters, they were big ones.
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“They weren’t little touches. They were a Deontay Wilder windmill.
“But he also sort of went into survival mode.
“He’s supposed to be a come forward fighter, which he did at the beginning, but once he felt the presence and the distance – exactly what I’ve been working on – he went back.”
Elsewhere, Tszyu said he had no issue communicating with Diaz between rounds, despite his new head coach seemingly speaking little English.
“Everything is tactical,” he said of their chatter in the corner. “Everything is codes, every punch is a number.
“We communicate in the language of boxing.
“He’s got Russian fighters who speak no English, and they communicate in the language of boxing.
“Going to him has made me fall in love with the sport again.
“Cubans used to fight for nothing.
“And that passion and love, it’s inspiring me.”
Soon after, Tszyu continued: “I’d been with my previous guys my whole life.
“So it wasn’t a small change. It was big.
“From my hand wraps, my warm up, the time I get backstage, my press conferences, the people picking me, it’s all been different.
“But first time we’ve also been successful.
“The partnership worked.”
Earlier this year, Tszyu went straight from one strong win over Joey Spencer into a world title rematch with Fundora, and despite having dropped two world titles before that April victory.
Asked what would be different this time around, he said: “Just do it for myself.
“And have the people around me that understand that.”
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Elsewhere, Tszyu said: “In boxing you can’t make too many mistakes.
“Same as you can’t keep making them.
“You have to find a solution.
“I dedicate my whole life to this sport, man.
“You guys just see glimpses.
“But I miss a lot of family moments, weddings, different events that are supposed to happen in your life.
“But I’m solely focused on this career, so I put everything else aside.
“Some people see it.
“A lot don’t.
“But with an obsessive mindset and a relentless drive, this is what it takes to get back to the top.”
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