Tim Tszyu and Tony Harrison fight for a shot at world title

Tim Tszyu has a famous last name. His father, Kostya, was a two-time champion in the junior welterweight division. Last names don’t always win fights.

Tony Harrison was the man four years ago when he defeated Jermall Charlo to win the WBC junior middleweight title.

Around the same time, Tszyu had boxed nine times – winning them all.

TIM TSYZU ISSUES BONE BREAKING WARNING TO TONY HARRISON! LOOKS TO TWITCH HIM IN HALF!

Harrison lost to Charlo by stoppage in 2019.

Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) stayed busy in his native Australia. His most notable win was over former welterweight champion Jeff Horn.

Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) has boxed twice since losing to Charlo – held to a draw by underrated Bryant Perrala, and winning a decision over Sergio Garcia. Some questioned his commitment.

Tszyu defeated Terrell Gausha last year, but it was hardly easy. He ate far too many right hands. One of them knocked him down.

This Saturday night, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, contenders Tszyu, and Harrison will fight for a shot at champion Charlo.

Tszyu is confident.

“I can’t underestimate Tony Harrison, but with the way I’ve been training, I’m extremely confident that I’m going to give my fans a big KO victory,” Tszyu said last week “Full credit to him for taking the challenge and coming to Australia, but he’s going home empty-handed.

”It’s exciting that my fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this matchup on SHOWTIME. I hope they’re ready to see a great atmosphere and a thrilling fight. Right now, I feel like I could run over anyone and it’s a good position and feeling to have, especially leading up to such a big fight.”

TIM TSZYU VS TONY HARRISON FIGHT WEEK LAUNCH EVENT; BOTH PUT FORWARD PATH TO VICTORY + FACE-OFF!

Harrison was born in Detroit, Michigan, and trained by Hall of Fame Emanuel Steward at Kronk Gym until his death 11 years ago. Willie Nelson stopped Harrison, who was ahead on two of three scorecards in 2015.

He was TKO’D in a bid for the IBF middleweight title by Jarrett Hurd two years later.

His win over Charlo surprised many. His loss in the rematch did not. Harrison views his experience in big bouts as a factor.

“He hasn’t fought a world championship fighter yet,” said Harrison to the Wide World of Sports. ”I am the first one. I am probably going to be the last because he’s going to go back to the bottom and has to rebuild this stuff back up. He’s not a weak kid, but to say he’s like Kostya Tszyu, I think we’re giving him just a little too much.

“I’m here on a mission,” added Harrison. “I’m extremely confident in my abilities and in my training, but I know Tim is going to be tough competition.”

Oddsmakers have instilled Tszyu a 2-1 favorite.

“I’ve lost the last couple of times in the late rounds, and he’s the guy who’s tough and strong,” Harrison told AAP. “So I definitely understand why they think that way or why they are setting this guy to win the fight.”

Harrison looks more talented, but Tszyu is younger and hungrier.

Tim Tszyu vs Terrell Gausha HIGHLIGHTS: March 26, 2022 | PBC on SHOWTIME