Former WBC junior middleweight champion Tony ‘Super Bad’ Harrison 29-3-1 (21) was relieved when his flight landed in Australia ahead of his fight against WBO number one contender Tim ‘The Soul Taker’ Tszyu 21-0 (15) at Qudos Arena in Sydney on March 12 local time.
The 34-year-old from Detroit said the long haul flight was harder than he anticipated.
“It was tough, man. It was a tough flight. We had to pull over, catch a camel, catch a go-kart, get on a bike,” Harrison said to AAP on Tuesday. “No one expected me to be here, but I’m here.
“Never (been to Australia before) and I probably won’t be back. That flight is way too long.”
Harrison landed the fight with Tszyu when original opponent, undisputed 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo 31-1-1 (19), was forced to withdraw from their scheduled January 28 bout after suffering a hand injury in sparring in late December.
Rather than wait for Charlo’s injury to heal, Tszyu opted to stay busy against the only man to hand Charlo a professional loss.
Harrison jumped at the opportunity to face Tszyu. If he wins he will be in the box seat to face Charlo for a third time as he looks to go 2-1 up in their rivalry.
“I feel amazing. Tim caught me at the right time – wrong time for him, right time for me,” Harrison said. “For Tim, he knows I’m a step too far.”
The outspoken American believes the Australian fight fans will warm to him, saying: “Listen to me – if they love Tim, they’re going to love me.
“I am the total opposite to Tim. I’m vibrant. I’ve got a lot of humility. If they like him, they’re going to love me.”
Harrison has had a lot to say about Tszyu’s ability in the lead-up to the bout, labelling him a ‘park fighter’. But now with his feet firmly on Australian soil, Harrison admits that Tszyu will be a tough out.
“I’m not overlooking Tim. I talk my shit but Tim’s a tough competitor so I’m looking forward to a rough and tough fight,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to 12 good rounds – or shorter – but I’ve trained for the long haul.
“I know I’ve got a tough competitor in front of me who’s fighting in front of his fans and family and the crowd.
“A step at a time for me but come March 12 you’re all in for a rude awakening.”
As for the jet lag and the expected hostile crowd, Harrison says there is just one thing he needs to be victorious.
“All I need is a ring,” he said. “I don’t need time. I just need a ring.”
The winner of the Tszyu vs Harrison bout will be awarded the vacant WBO interim junior middleweight title.
