Horn ready to wreck Tszyu’s rise as Kostya’s son eyes Aussie title

Rising star Tim Tszyu will have former world champ Jeff Horn breathing down his neck when he challenges for the Australian light-middleweight title in Sydney next month.

Rising star Tim Tszyu will have former world champ Jeff Horn breathing down his neck when he challenges for the Australian light-middleweight title in Sydney next month.

Tszyu will face Melbourne’s national champ Joel Camilleri on May 15 but Horn is ready to take on the unbeaten son of all-time great Kostya Tszyu “any time he wants it’’.

Broncos great Justin Hodges will fight on the undercard at the Star Casino on a huge event which will also include Brisbane Olympian Cameron Hammond against Sydney slugger Jack Brubaker.

Most of the talk at the press conference on Tuesday to announce the fights centred on a looming Tszyu-Horn showdown.

Tim Tszyu wins his fight against Denton Vassell during the Star of the Ring boxing night at the Horden Pavilion, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

Tszyu said a Horn bout was at least a year away and that he first planned to beat Camilleri, former Australian champ Dwight Ritchie and then former Commonwealth champ Michael Zerafa before facing Horn.

He says there are gaps everywhere in Horn’s defence that he can exploit.

But Horn, who is itching to hit someone after just 96 seconds of ring action in a year (against Anthony Mundine), says he’s keen for the fight any time Tszyu wants it.

“It’s all good to call me out, but I don’t think they are as keen as they say,’’ Horn said.

“Tim will get better in time but I feel as soon as he faces someone half decent as a boxer he will have trouble.

“He is so straight down the line that he doesn’t have much when it comes to angles.

“Hopefully he does well in his career because he’s a nice kid but if he wants to fight me, let’s go.’’

Tszyu, 24, is unbeaten in 12 pro fights and in his last start hammered Britain’s faded former Commonwealth champ Denton Vassell in two rounds.

Camilleri has 17 wins, five losses and a draw and says he has the experience to spring an upset.

Joel Camilleri is the Australian champ at 70kg

“I believe I can win the fight,’’ Camilleri said. “I’m strong and I’ve never been dropped.’’

Tszyu says headlining his first pay-per-view bout is a “big opportunity that brings big responsibility’’.

“I think this is the start of something special,’’ Tszyu said. “Every boxer’s dream is to become world champion. I dream of multiple world championships in multiple divisions.

“I want to be remembered as one of the greats

“Joel’s a good fighter. He’s got the Australian title and that’s what I want then up and up.’’

Justin Hodges says he doesn’t have an opponent yet but hopes the new rival lasts longer than the man he fought on debut, Ipswich furniture removalist Rob Baron, who came out swinging but went down in Round 1.

Jeff Horn stops Anthony Mundine. Picture Annette Dew

“I was up against a guy I didn’t know anything about and he was trying to take my head off like a lot of NSW people would like to do,’’ Hodges said.

“I hope to be boxing more than brawling next time. Hopefully I can get an opponent who will take me a few rounds and I can get some experience.’’

Hodges said he remained on track for a fight with rugby league’s heavyweight champ Paul Gallen, who has had nine pro fights compared with Hodges’ one.

“I need more experience before I fight Gal but I know he’s keen,’’ Hodges said.

“I think he’s dirty that he didn’t win too many Origin matches against me.’’

Originally published as Horn ready to wreck Tszyu’s rise as Kostya’s son eyes Aussie title