It wasn’t the matchup fight fans wanted, but WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu 24-0 (17) has promised to make an example out of Keith Thurman 30-1 (22) in their 12-round 155-pound catchweight bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 30.
The 29-year-old Australian was in talks to face rated contender Erickson Lubin 26-2 (18) in his Vegas debut but those negotiations broke down with the fight date looming.
Tszyu, it seems, was left with two options: continue his busy schedule against a lesser opponent or push back his next fight by months.
He chose the former.
Lifelong welterweight Thurman will not be without his backers in this fight. There is still a cohort of fight fans who believe Tszyu is little more than a gimmick, a second generation boxer trading off his father’s famous last name.
It’s clear that Thurman has the runs on the boards. The 35-year-old American is a former WBA and WBC welterweight champion, but injury-induced layoffs have cruelled his career. The fight against Tszyu will be just his fourth outing in the past seven years.
“He’s a certain character who brings that energy,” Tszyu said to Fight Hub TV, highlighting the fact that Thurman hasn’t stopped an opponent in almost nine years. “And hopefully he brings that energy to the fight because it’s going to be a long night for him.
“Don’t disrespect my style because I hurt people.
“He’s a decision guy. A split decision guy. I win by a big, big points difference or I knock ’em out.”
Both boxers engaged in a spirited conversation during their first face off at the press conference this week.
“I just said I’m going to make him squeal,” Tszyu said. “And mark my words he will be squealing in the ring. I think he’s great, but that’s the past. This is the present… and I’m levels above him.
“He doesn’t know what he’s in for. He has plenty of energy, I love his energy. But he’s in for a big, big surprise.
“And when he’s squealing he’ll be thinking about everything he said.”
Earlier at the press conference Thurman gave his assessment of Tszyu.
“He’s young, undefeated and trying to open the gates to his new era. But it’s my job to close the door shut, right in his face,” Thurman said.
“I want him to go, tail tucked, head down back to his daddy in Australia. ‘I’m sorry pops. I’m Sorry. The Tszyu name… I’m done. I didn’t know he was that fast.’
“Unfortunately the title will not be on the line but his pride will be, and that’s good enough for me.”
Tszyu responded: “You bring that energy, man. I want that energy. Because mark my words, I will knock you out within 12 rounds.”