Tim Tszyu talks improvements and future opportunities
FOR Tim Tszyu, the burden of expectation isn’t too heavy to carry.
The unbeaten prospect will continue his professional journey on Saturday night, when he faces hard-hitting Argentine Marcos Cornejo (19-3, 18 KOs) at the revamped Bendigo Stadium for Hosking Promotions.
As the prodigious talent reveals, he’s happy with the progress made through two years.
“I feel like I’m really improving after each fight,” Tszyu told Aus-Boxing.
“I remember I said from the start I just wanted to improve and that’s still the main thing today. I have still so much more to learn, still so much more to find out about myself as a fighter.”
“It’s been two years and I’ve had ten fights in that time. People are starting to take note and recognise me now. I’m not really focused on that though.”
“I’m really just focused on training and just becoming a better fighter.”
The 23-year-old will compete in a fourth state this weekend in a professional journey that is proving to be a truly national adventure.
Given the popularity of his name, Tszyu (10-0, 8 KOs) believes that it comes with the territory.
“I fought in Toowoomba once and it was just this amazing,” he continued.
“The rural cities just get behind you. This fight in Bendigo is just another opportunity to fight in front of a crowd and gain a bigger fan base. In boxing, the big thing is the following you have behind you, the people that follow you.”
“For me I don’t care where I fight, it doesn’t bother me. It’s been great fighting everywhere around the country. Most fighters only fight out of one city and that’s it. It’s been going well so far.”
“I’ve been lucky to be able to fight anywhere in Australia and for me I wouldn’t change it.”
After facing some unfair criticism for the lack of participation from his most recent opponent, Stevie Ferdinandus, Tszyu has made a point to voice his desire to challenge Australian champion, Sam Colomban.
Colomban (25-10-1, 11 KOs) was slated to face Tszyu in August, before a shoulder injury derailed those plans. Despite their conflicting timelines, the prospect still sees the bout taking place.
“The fight with Sam Colomban was planned and he had to pull out due to an injury,” he concluded.
“It’s unfortunate, when an injury happens, it happens. Hopefully that fight can still eventually take place. Once he is alright and he recovers, hopefully we can get a fight done.”
“I’d love nothing more than to be able to capture the Australian title.”
“I feel we’re on the right track. I’m hoping there are opportunities in the near future which may take me overseas But the one thing I want first is the Australian title before that occurs.”
“It would be great to be crowned the Australian champion – and not win a vacant title – but take it from the champion. To win it off the champion would be great.”
In the meanwhile, the unbeaten light middleweight can only focus on his next challenge.
“I feel I will bring a lot of action to the ring come fight night,” he warned.
“I’m here to win by knockout and entertain the crowd. I want the people of Bendigo to get their money’s worth on the night.”
Tickets for ‘Battle on the Goldfields 3’, hosted by Hosking Promotions, can be secured through Ticketek.
Photo: Louie Abigail