‘Don’t kill me’: Tszyu, Parker score KO wins as Latrell is put on notice

Nikita Tszyu and former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker recorded round-one knockout victories on a night when Latrell Mitchell may reconsider his decision to climb into the boxing ring.

Parker knocked out Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu midway through the first round of their bout at Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday night, as did Tszyu in another lopsided contest against the previously undefeated Ben Bommber.

The other talking point was the prospect of Mitchell, currently in camp with the NSW Blues, making his professional boxing debut in a cross-code battle with Tom Bellchambers.

Mitchell took to social media, vowing to challenge the winner of the AFL fight between Cameron Mooney and Bellchambers, the latter scoring an emphatic win in the third and final round.

The former Essendon ruckman wore some heavy blows before knocking down Mooney in the first round and then ended things early with a huge right hand. Whether Mitchell still wants a piece of Bellchambers – all 201cm and 121kg of him – remains to be seen after the Aussie rules big man showcased a devastating right hand.

Nikita Tszyu after defeating Benjamin Bommber during their super-welterweight bout at Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday night.Credit: Getty Images

“Ahh, not sure yet ... we’ll see what’s next,” said Bellchambers about the prospect of fighting Mitchell.

“That was everything I thought it would be and more.”

Tszyu was also impressive on a card that was witnessed by one of the most recognisable athletes in world sport, heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Bommber came into the fight with an identical record to Tszyu – both were undefeated in five fights, four via knockout – but was never in the contest.

“The Butcher” lived up to his nickname, stunning Bommber with a right uppercut before finishing proceedings with a flurry of blows.

“It was over in a flash – I hoped it would go a bit longer,” Nikita Tszyu said.

Joseph Parker (left) exchanges blows with Faiga Opelu during their heavyweight bout at Margaret Court Arena.Credit: Getty Images

“I landed an uppercut. I saw a victim, the hunter instinct inside of me went into kill mode.

“If I see someone wounded, I want to hurt them.”

Asked who he wanted to fight next, Tszyu cheekily said: “There is one person in this arena that I had my eye on: The Gypsy King, Tyson Fury. I don’t care if I go heavyweight, I’ll take your WBC title.”

When an image of an unimpressed Fury flashed up on the big screen, Tszyu said: “I’m joking, don’t kill me.”

Ben Horn, the only man to remain on his feet after facing Tszyu, called for a rematch after pulling off an undercard upset against the previously undefeated Joel Taylor.

“I already spoke to [Horn], he keeps bringing it up to me. Nope,” Tszyu said.

“I’m not doing the rematch, I’m not interested. He’s too tough. He can take a shot too well, it isn’t fun. Sorry Benny.”

Parker also made short work of Opelu, proving he is a class above. His great mate Fury, who sat ringside during the fight night, believed the Kiwi could again become a world champion.

“I think it was a great performance, it just shows how hard Joseph is working in the gym,” Fury said.

“I’ve always been saying this, there are a lot of levels in boxing, he’s a world heavyweight champion former, and he’s going to get back up there again in my opinion.”

Asked who he would like to see Parker fight next, Fury said: “I’d like to see him fight a rematch with Andy Ruiz or Joe Joyce. Maybe Dillian Whyte or AJ [Anthony Joshua]. F--- them all!

“Joseph Parker is back on the map!”

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