Tszyu defeats Tony Harrison

Tim Tszyu celebrates victory in his WBO super-welterweight world title fight against Tony Harrison as the referee signals for the stoppage in the ninth round of their clash in Sydney on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The undefeated Aussie star’s dominant victory was the 22nd of his professional career, with 16 of them by knockout.

It set up a mandatory challenge with unified world champion Jermell Charlo, who was initially scheduled to fight Tszyu in January before an injury sidelined the superstar and Harrison, the only fighter to inflict defeat on Charlo, stepped in.

Yet, even after beating Charlo’s only conqueror convincingly, doubters remain.

Charlo, who was ringside as a guest commentator, claimed “he doesn’t really show a lot of athleticism”, adding “I think he’s perfect for my style”.

Douglass Fischer, editor of respected boxing publication The Ring Magazine said Tszyu needed a couple more fights against challengers of Harrison’s calibre before he would be “truly ready for a beast like Charlo”.

Former world champion Ishé Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith said a counterpuncher would “have a field day” against him, with Tszyu’s aggressive style making him vulnerable to falling into “traps” set by wily customers like Charlo.