Jeff Horn casts critical eye over Justin Hodges, Tim Tszyu

Jeff Horn will be ringside in Sydney tonight (Wednesday) watching rugby league great Justin Hodges have his second pro fight and casting a predatory eye on the rising Tim Tszyu.

Jeff Horn will be ringside in Sydney on Wednesday night watching rugby league great Justin Hodges have his second pro fight and casting a predatory eye on the rising Tim Tszyu.

Two years ago Horn and Tszyu trained together for a day at the West End gym of Brisbane fitness guru Dundee Kim and swapped platitudes about each other’s speed and ability after Tszyu looked dynamite hitting the punching pads.

Horn was a few weeks away from beating all-time great Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium in one of the greatest days ever in Queensland sport.

The mild-mannered former schoolteacher says it will be no more Mr Nice Guy if the pair cross gloves as expected in 2020.

``Tim was a very good amateur boxer and he’s hot prospect in the pros,’’ Horn said. ``He’s improving all the time but he stands so square on that a good boxer is going to be able to hit him a lot. If he wants the fight with me I’m very confident I will win.

``Before that happens he has to beat Joel Camilleri, who is a good fighter.’’

Tszyu faces Melbourne’s rugged Camilleri for the Australian super-welterweight title at the Star Casino on Wednesday while, on appearances, Hodges should have a much easier time against the short and portly Aucklander Troy McMahon who claims three wins from four amateur ``corporate’’ fights.

Justin Hodges looks down at his much smaller opponent Troy McMahon at the weigh-in for their fight at The Star in Sydney. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The star power of Broncos great Hodges is being used to sell the fight card with a potential battle against fighting footballer Paul Gallen in the future.

``The possibility of a fight between Gal and me is exciting,” Hodges said yesterday.

``He hasn’t beaten me in Origin and that’s probably why he wants to fight me.

``But it’s still a way off. He’s had nine pro fights and I’ve only had one.

``I never said I’m the greatest boxer. I just want a chance to test myself, to get out of my comfort zone. I want to fight some boxers who are at my level first before facing Gal. I’m working hard all the time trying to improve.’’

Horn said while fighting footballers attracted their fair share of criticism, he welcomed their addition to the professional boxing ranks.

``Gallen and Hodges are good for boxing,’’ Horn said.

Tim Tszyu and Joel Camilleri shape up for their Australian super-welterweight title fight at The Star in Sydney. Picture: Jonathan Ng

``They help bring the crowds to the fights and that lets more people see the up and coming boxers who often struggle for recognition.’’

Tszyu and Camilleri both needed two attempts yesterday before making the 69.85kg limit for the fight.

Hodges said he was absolutely ``s …. ing’’ himself before his pro debut in Sydney in February when he knocked out Ipswich furniture removalist Rob Baron in 75 seconds.

``It was a whole new challenge for me,’’ Hodges said. ``The guy was trying to take my head off and I fired back as fast and hard as I could.

Tim Tszyu (right) with Jeff Horn (left) and former world champ John Mugabi at Dundee Kim’s West End gym. Picture: Mark Calleja

``I’m hoping to settle down more in this fight and get some rounds for experience.’’

Queensland’s assistant Origin coach and Fox Sports expert said he wants to fight again later in the year and hopes to have a second ``twilight’’ career in the fight game.

Main Event: 7pm Wednesday