Tim Tszyu says his best boxing is yet to come as he tries to move a step closer to a world title

Tim Tszyu wants to end Dennis Hogan’s career when the two climb into the ring in Newcastle next week, but, at age 26, he insists it’s only another step to being a complete boxer.

Tim Tszyu and Dennis Hogan wil fight in Newcastle next week. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Tim Tszyu isn’t half the fighter he thinks he can be yet, which is “dangerous” for his opponents - and taking down Dennis Hogan next week will be just another step in his evolution.

The unbeaten Tszyu (17-0, 13KO) will move closer to his world title dream should he take down the 36-year-old Irishman in Newcastle next Wednesday, and it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t think that will happen.

Tszyu has already said he wanted to “end” Hogan’s career, but while he has eyes on his opponent, the 26-year-old knows every fight, and the preparation for every fight, will take him another step closer to being a complete boxer.

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Tim Tszyu has eyes of some big prizes.

“I’m only 26 years old. I’m going to continue to grow. I haven’t reached my peak,” he said in Brisbane on Monday.

“I’ve got another 50, 60, 70 per cent to improve on and that’s dangerous, especially for people in my weight division.

“Each outing I am going to be bigger and better, stronger and this camp I can really feel it in my approach and the way I have been training.

“You’re going to see another improved Tim Tszyu.”

Remain Focused 🔑
March 31 🎯

📸 @nicwalker101#focus#teamtszyu#tszyuhoganpic.twitter.com/7uimXOyvxk

— Tim Tszyu (@Tim_Tszyu) March 21, 2021

Next week’s fight was almost postponed when Hogan needed his nose X-rayed, and the usual war of words in the lead has included some tasty barbs.

On St Patrick’s Day last week, Tszyu made it clear where his intentions were via a video message to his opponent.

“Dennis, I have heard what you have said about me (being over-hyped),” Tszyu said.

“Let me be very clear with you, I am going to end you, this is your last fight.

“I know it’s St Patrick’s Day, but I don’t believe in the luck of the Irish … you make your own luck and you create your own destiny.”

Tim Tszyu's camp is in talks for a $13 million world title blockbuster. Full details: https://t.co/MkvLxYOlm2pic.twitter.com/yWSYaPQFMN

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) March 21, 2021

On Monday, Tszyu was more conciliatory, declaring he would never “underestimate” any opponent, even one who was a $5 outsider.

But that didn’t mean his plans had changed as excitement builds around just how good the son of Aussie legend Kostya could be.

“It’s kill or be killed in this game. I’m looking for a victory, but not just a victory, to go for the stoppage,” he said.

“He’s a good boxer, I have nothing bad to day about Dennis at all.

“He’s nearly been at the top, but he’s had three chances, and his fourth time at 36-years-old, he’s going downhill now.

“It’s either me getting KO’d, or he’s getting KO’d. There’s only one result I would predict.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu says his best boxing is yet to come as he tries to move a step closer to a world title