:
Former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) is aiming for a summer showdown with potentially Errol Spence Jr., but before he can get there, Tszyu has a fight coming up on April 4 (April 5 in Australia) against the undefeated Denis Nurja (20-0, 9 KOs).
Ahead of his fight, Tszyu held a media workout with his coach Pedro Diaz, who joined Team Tszyu after suffering another loss to WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. Tszyu had one fight with his new coach in the corner in December, but it was brief since Diaz was working with current WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian for his fight against Badou Jack. Now with a full camp under Diaz, Tszyu aims to shine and boost anticipation for a summer fight against any of the big names at 154.
Here are some quotes from Tszyu and his trainer Diaz during the media workout.
Tim Tszyu said: “There’s a lot on the line. F***, it’s a big gamble. But I think as boxers, and anyone who wants to achieve something, you have to put it all on the line and gamble. It’s not a gamble when you know what you possess and what you can bring out, so I’ll let my fists do the talking.
“This camp has been completely different because I’ve had to learn different things, different methods, game plans, technical stuff and tactical stuff. Looking back on some of my old sparring, I was sometimes a sitting duck. I can see that now. I’ve seen the lessons and it’s about improving and developing a new style. That’s why I took this fight. I believe in my skills, I know what I’m capable of and the world is in my hands, so I’m going to take it with both hands.”
“(I’ve been working on) the boxing fundamentals. It’s quite simple. It’s working the front hand, not trying to get hit, not trying to go for the scrap all the time, but also having that dog in you if you need it.
“I’ve shown, as they say, cojones all the time and when it gets rough and dirty, I know when to bring it out. I know I’ve got that up my sleeve at all times. But do I need to expose it in round one straight away? No, I don’t. It’s all about timing. When to expose the cojones, when to go deep and dirty. I’m still the same old Tim Tszyu, of course, but I feel like you need to keep learning.
Tszyu’s new coach Pedro Diaz said: “Everybody knows he is a great boxer. He has amazing discipline. Because he is so disciplined, and because we have a clear plan, we have already been able to achieve great things together.
“[Velasquez] was a great fight for Tim. He was able to show new tools and prove that he is not just someone who goes into the ring to fight. He showed that he can box as well. He worked very well with his lead hand and he went 10 rounds at a very high level. Tactically, he showed the work we have been doing. He has grown a lot, and I think he still has exciting things to show the boxing world.”
“We are always working on the best tools he can use to get the best result. He is a fast and strong boxer, but we have worked a lot on his defence, his angles, his lateral movement and his lead hand.
“I think he is doing a great job. I want to see the work from training come through in the fight, and for him to show the world that he still has a lot to offer in boxing. With good preparation, every opponent is dangerous. But we are confident in the work we have done.
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
