Jeff Horn enjoying family time while keeping fit for showdown with Tim Tsyzu

Jeff Horn says the coronavirus crisis has only delayed his fight against Tim Tszyu, and not derailed it, and he is still working hard during lockdown to be ready for the rescheduled showdown.

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Jeff Horn should have been at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Wednesday night chasing boxing hotshot Tim Tszyu all over the ring and trying to land the heavy punches that once made him the world welterweight champion.

Instead he will be at home in Sunnybank chasing his two little girls around the house to give them their cuddles before bedtime.

Horn says the coronavirus has only delayed his big fight, not derailed it, and he is still working hard during lockdown in the hopes he will race right over Tszyu like a runaway train when the bout is rescheduled.

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Jeff Horn has been working out at home to stay in shape for his fight with Tim Tszyu later this year. Picture: Getty Images

Horn’s promoter Dean Lonergan is hoping the showdown can take place in August at the same venue.

“The contracts are all in place, the venue in Townsville is set,’’ Lonergan said. “We’re just waiting for the health officials to give us the all-clear so we can fight before the sort of big crowd that this event deserves.’’

Horn is trying to stay as fit and as strong as he can, knowing Tszyu is champing at the bit to make a statement against the man who beat all-time great Manny Pacquiao at a packed Suncorp Stadium three years ago.

But he’s also relishing time spent doting on his family.

“My wife Jo has never liked me fighting and she’s glad I’m home with her and the kids full-time,’’ he said. “I haven’t done any sparring for months, but the kids are full of energy and they really keep me on my toes chasing after them.

Jeff Horn is enjoying his time at home with his wife Jo and daughters Isabelle and Charlotte. Picture: Annette Dew

“I used to work as a schoolteacher and before that I was a childcare worker. I always say if you can do that work and keep your cool, then fighting guys like Manny Pacquiao and Tim Tszyu isn’t really that scary.’’

Horn’s daughter Isabelle, two, was born just after Horn’s win over England’s Gary Corcoran in Brisbane and Horn passed up a $2 million payday against Japan’s Olympic gold medallist Ryota Murata to be at Charlotte’s birth last June.

He said he will need eight weeks of good sparring after the lockdown is lifted to prepare for the unbeaten Tszyu, but admits that the coronavirus may have shortened his boxing career.

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“I always said I wanted to retire at age 35 and I still do,’’ the 32-year-old said. “I only fight a couple of times a year, so the longer we’re in lockdown, the fewer fights I will get to have.

“Hopefully we’re on top of the virus, though, and we can knock it out soon.’’

Horn is staying in shape by riding an exercise bike, working out with body-weight exercises and kettle bells, and doing boxing drills via his computer with assistant trainer Tyrone Tongia, a former Australian champion.