Tim Tszyu has made the startling admission he’s been “bored” with boxing for the last two years.
But now the fire is well and truly burning, as he jets to America to enter an intense two-month camp before fighting Jermell Charlo for all the super welterweight belts on January 29.
The 28-year-old Aussie has won all 21 of his professional bouts to date, but this trip to the US is undoubtedly his biggest challenge and could define his entire career.
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Charlo, 32, won the last of the major belts when he knocked out Brian Castano in May to claim the WBO – adding it to the WBC, IBF, WBA and The Ring Magazine titles he already laid claim to.
Tszyu hasn’t fought since March, when he beat Terrell Gausha via unanimous decision in Minneapolis – the first time he had ventured outside Australia or New Zealand to fight.
He says the five fights he’s had since beating Jeff Horn in August 2020 have merely been tune-ups while he waited for a shot at a world title.
“Once I defeated Jeff Horn it sort of became… I don’t know, boring, I’d say,” Tszyu told media at Sydney airport before flying to the US.
“I started getting bored. (But) I’m lit up right now, I’m ready to go.
“It’s the four belts, it’s what’s on the line, it’s the glory, it’s everything. This is everything I’ve ever worked for.
“I got to that national platform in Australia, and now it’s time to take it to the next level.”
It’s fair to say Charlo hasn’t given Tszyu much respect in the lead-up to this bout.
The cocky American couldn’t even say the Aussie’s name when pressed about the match-up following his win over Castano.
“It’s different heat over here in America, baby. It’s different heat in America,” Charlo said as he lambasted an Australian journalist at a press conference.
“How much Tim Too, whatever his f—in’ name is, how much they got? How much money they got? F— you and Tim Kazoo.”
Tszyu isn’t concerned about getting into a war of words, preferring to make his statement on the night in front of a global audience – which will be the biggest he’s ever fought in front of.
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“I feel like I haven’t achieved anything until I get these four belts around my waist,” he said.
“They don’t rate us, and I’m here to shock the world in spectacular fashion, and I’ve got all the tools to do it.
“It’s going to be a big moment in Australia’s sporting history.
“After this fight there’s so many more things, so much money to be made, so much glory to make, to pursue.
“So there’s a lot on the line, and that’s what motivates me.”
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A look back at every fight to date from Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu
