For Tim Tszyu, it was just another fight. For his critics, it was just another plate of crow.
The undefeated 28-year-old Australian masterfully took apart American Brian Mendoza, 29, over the 12-round distance in the first defence of his WBO junior middleweight belt at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia on Sunday afternoon local time.
Tszyu was like a steam train. He started slowly before picking up pace with each progressive round until he had Mendoza battling to survive to hear the final bell.
All three judges award the fight to Tszyu with scores of 116-112, 116-111 and 117-111. The win sees him move to 24-0 (17) while Mendoza drops to 22-3 (16).
Tszyu was ranked number one at 154-pounds by the venerable Ring Magazine going in to the bout. Mendoza was ranked number three.
One notable critic before the fight was former two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson 20-0 (10).
“I think [Mendoza] beats Tim Tszyu. I’m not a big Tim Tszyu fan. I really ain’t see nothing too special about Tim Tszyu,” Stevenson said to MillCity Boxing in the week leading up to the bout.
He changed his tune after the fight.
“I was wrong bout Tim Tszyu he looked better then I thought he was last night,” Stevenson posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The overall feeling on social media was that Tszyu impressed in what was arguably his biggest victory to date.
“I think Jermell Charlo versus Tim Tszyu is the next fight for both guys,” CompuBox’s Dan Canobbio posted.
“For Charlo, it could help restore his reputation, help restore his career. For Tszyu, it’s the marquee win he’s been looking for. These two have been talking trash for weeks, years.”
The good folks behind the Boxing Kingdom account said: “Tim Tszyu is the man to beat at 154!”
Cody Kaye of Fox Sports News wants to see Tszyu takes on the big names of the sport next.
“Has to be the elite of the elite for Tszyu now,” he said. “Only the Canelo’s of the world trouble this guy. And even then I’m not sure. Makes great fighters shit themselves.”
Boxing trainer Teddy Atlas added his two cents: “Tszyu is nothing fancy, very conventional and focused approach. Him & Charlo very interesting. Both good offensively.”
Mike Coppinger of ESPN was more generous, writing: “Strong performance from Tim Tszyu with the unanimous decision victory over Brian Mendoza (116-112, 116-111 and 117-111.) He’s must-see TV.
“Never takes a step backward. Methodical pressure. Impressive win over a very tough and game Brian Mendoza. Tszyu’s power is different.”
ABC Sports broadcaster Corbin Middlemas has liked what he has seen from Tszyu this year.
“Not saying he’s it, but Tim Tszyu should be in the fighter of the year conversation,” Middlemas said. “Instead of waiting for Charlo, risked it all against three top guys in the division and enhanced his reputation in each.”