Home Boxing News Liam Wilson predicts tough fight for Tim Tszyu against Stevie Spark

Liam Wilson predicts tough fight for Tim Tszyu against Stevie Spark

Liam Wilson. Photo credit: Getty Images

Australian super featherweight prospect Liam Wilson 9-0 (6) is expecting Stevie ‘The Viking’ Spark 12-1 (11) to present a stern challenge to Tim Tszyu 18-0 (12) when they meet at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old Spark from Toowoomba in Queensland was drafted in to replace Michael Zerafa 28-4 (17) who withdrew last week citing concerns about travelling into New South Wales during the current Covid-19 outbreak centred in the state capital of Sydney.

Wilson is more familiar than most with Spark.

“So proud of him, it’s a great opportunity and he’s been working so hard over all these years,” Wilson said to Sporting News.

“It’s a big opportunity, Stevie’s a big puncher and Tim knows it’s a tough fight too.

“We fought four times in the amateurs and I know first-hand that he comes to fight.

“It’s going to be tough. Some of the toughest fights I’ve ever had, he’s a good body puncher. It’s going to be good.”

Wilson will face his own tough test in the 10-round main support bout when he meets world-rated southpaw Joe ‘Jawbreaker’ Noynay 18-2-2 (7) of the Philippines.

Noynay is ranked number nine with the IBF, number 12 with the WBC and number 15 with the WBO at 130-pounds. He is coming off a five-round technical draw against former world champion Kenichi Ogawa 25-1-1 (18) in Japan in December 2019.

“He’s crafty – a very good boxer and technically very sound,” the switch-hitting Wilson said.

“It’s going to be a good boxing match – I’m excited for the boxing part of it. His style will allow me to showcase my skills and put on a good performance.

“The last three guys I’ve fought have just been brawlers. This is boxing and we have to adjust to that, so I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills.

“I’ve got things to fight for and promises to fulfil and that’s what I’m doing.”

The fight has not come without its sacrifices. Wilson will be missing one of his children’s birthdays to compete due to current Covid-19 quarantine protocols.

“My kid’s birthday is the day before my fight, and if I have to quarantine on the way back, I won’t be able to be there for it,” Wilson said.

“And they might not be able to come down, but I knew the risk coming down here.

“Whether my trainers came with me or not, I’m here to fight. I love this shit. I wasn’t worried about travelling at all. I couldn’t give a shit, I’m just here to fight.

“We are fighters. We are fighters and we’ll fight anywhere.

“This is everything, but the worst bit is I won’t be able to bring them in there with me physically.

“My little kids usually jump in the ring with me afterwards, but with COVID lockdowns over the next three days, they may not be able to.

“This is all part of it. I’m so ready for it – I love it.”