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Tim Tszyu destroys Tony Harrison to win WBO super welterweight title

Tim Tszyu has won the WBO super welterweight title after finishing his US rival with one of the most violent stoppages of his career.

Jamie Pandaram and Richard Lamberton
14 min read
March 12, 2023 - 5:53PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Tim Tszyu gets a hug during the official weigh-in.
Tim Tszyu gets a hug during the official weigh-in.

The last thing Tim Tszyu told Tony Harrison at the pre-fight press conference, when the American suggested the crowd was turning out to see him, was that: “This is the Tim Tszyu show”.

And what a show it was.

The 28-year-old has followed his father Kostya in becoming a world champion, stopping Harrison with a shuddering volley of blows in the ninth round of a career-best performance.

Tszyu had Harrison on the back foot from the opening round, and while the Detroit fighter showed slick nous throughout, he was punished with vicious intensity in the ninth.

He was dropped, shaken, and while he rose to his feet the referee mercifully stopped the contest, giving Tszyu the interim WBO super-welterweight belt and setting up an undisputed title fight against Jermell Charlo in July in Las Vegas.

Tszyu (22-0, 16KO) said directly to Charlo, who was commentating the fight from United States: “The message was sent clearly, you know what’s up, I’m coming”.

And clearly fed up with the constant comparisons with his father, Tszyu told the capacity crowd of 11,740 at Qudos Bank Arena: “What’s my mother----g name? Say my name.”

Harrison (29-4-1, 21KO), the only man to have beaten Charlo, was gracious in defeat.

Tim Tszyu lands a big punch on Tony Harrison. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Tim Tszyu lands a big punch on Tony Harrison. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

“The better man won tonight,” Harrison said.

“I saw a much sharper fight than the one who fought Terrell [Gausha], they’re doing a good job with the kid, his timing and reaction was very good.

“He’s up for the challenge [against Charlo].”

The end came as Tszyu landed six savage uppercuts, an overhand right and straight left that dropped Harrison. He just managed to beat the count but with eyes glazed, he was in no shape to continue.

“I just beat the man who beat the man. What does that make me?” Tszyu said.

This was a huge risk, and one that Tszyu didn’t need to take given he had the shot at Charlo anyway, before the champion broke his hand in December, cancelling their planned January 28 showdown.

But Tszyu said his mentality was to take on all comers.

“You don’t know if you’re a shark until you swim with the sharks.

“My career has unfolded step-by-step, and each step I’ve taken I’ve had to pick it up.

“This is an interim belt. The champ has to be beaten, and he has all four belts.

“The real undisputed for me is beating Charlo.”

Tim Tszyu with his maiden world title. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Tim Tszyu with his maiden world title. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Charlo said: “I’m ready, when I get my hand right and when we get back in the ring for training, that’ll work.

“I’m a different animal in there, you can’t compare me to Tony.

“Tim is next.”

Tszyu was winning 77-75 on all three judges’ cards before the stoppage.

Tszyu had rocked Harrison with a huge right hand in the third round, and the American was on wobbly, Tszyu followed up with a barrage of shots, narrowly missing a sizzling uppercut as his opponent survived until the bell.

Tszyu continued stalking Harrison in the fourth, as the American attempted to shock his rival with surprise counters, but failed to land anything that troubled him.

Harrison continued to fight off the ropes in the fifth, and ate a straight right that rocked his head back. He managed to land some slick counterpunches but could not halt Tszyu’s forward momentum.

There was a more even sixth round as Harrison showed his ability to throw from awkward angles, landing some sweet jabs and rights. Tszyu tried to force a phone-box showdown by closing distance and had success with his overhand right.

A thudding left-right-left combination from Tszyu in the seventh momentarily stunned Harrison but he recovered quickly.

Action was briefly stopped in the eighth after Harrison slipped on water on the canvas, but otherwise it was a gruelling contest of wills on the inside as both men traded with their heads on their rival’s shoulders. Tszyu had the bigger punches again.

Tszyu landed two hard jabs at the start of the ninth, and Harrison actually nodded and said “good jab”.

Tszyu was in no mood for niceties.

This was his show. He manifested a brutal ending, and enforced it.

Roll credits.

TIM TSZYU V TONY HARRISON

ROUND 1: Harrison’s hands down, Tszyu’s hands up. ‘Tony’s a w*****’ chants ring out. We get a small look at the speed of Harrison’s jab. It’s quick, real quick. Tszyu walks Harrison to the ropes and uncorks a left hook.Tszyu answers a pair of jabs with a quick one-two. Harrison times his jab so well. Nice combo from Tszyu to finish the round. Tough round to call. Harrison 10, Tszyu 9.

We are moments away from Australian boxing history. Harrison walking out to James Brown’s Superbad. So tasty. Not to be outdone, Tim Tszyu puts on an absolute show before dropping Biggie track. We are on!

ROUND 2: Same again: Harrison jabs, Tszyu throws power punches. Tszyu’s dictating the geography of the fight. Tszyu is finding a home for his combinations. Really strong signs for the Aussie. Little mouse under Tim’s eye but he takes the round. Tszyu 19, Harrison 19

ROUND 3: Rocked! Tim Tszyu sends Tony Harrison crashing into the ropes. Wow! Tszyu has Harrison on tilt and the American’s eyes are still glazed. Huge round. Tszyu 29, Harrison 27

ROUND 4: Harrison has recovered somewhat but he is confronted with a relentless Tszyu. The Aussie is beating Harrison to the punch. Harrison’s jab has lost a touch of speed. Jeff Fenech says Harrison’s “eyes are blurry”. Tszyu 38, 37

ROUND 5: Tszyu and Harrison exchanging on the ropes. Big right hand snaps Harrison’s head back. Tszyu uncorks a right to the body that’d fold me like a deck chair. This is world class. What a treat. Tszyu 48, Harrison 46

ROUND 6: Tszyu taking over this fight and it’s the left hook doing the damage.Harrison’s combinations glancing off Tszyu’s gloves. This is Tim Tszyu’s fight - it’s his to lose now. Tszyu 58, Harrison 55

ROUND 7: Tim Tszyu has landed 75 power punches to Harrison’s 15. Tony’s jab is the only thing keeping him in this fight. Tszyu needs something late in the round to take it. Lands a glancing combo but Harrison may have stolen that. Tszyu 67, Harrison 65

ROUND 8: I can’t score this fight. As long as I get the result right I’ll be happy. There’s a chess match going on inside. Both men choosing to take the stink into the phone booth ... as they say. Harrison slips and gets a much-needed rest as an official wipes down the mystery fluid. Tszyu? Harrison? Toughest round to call. Tszyu 77, Harrison 74

ROUND 9: Tszyu starts to find a home for his jab, snapping Harrison’s head back early on. Harrison is back in the centre of the ring, he doesn’t want Tszyu’s smoke on the ropes. OHHH!!! Harrison in big trouble. Tszyu landing bombs! Harrison is down and it’s over and TIM TSZYU IS A WORLD CHAMPION JUST LIKE HIS FATHER!

3.27PM: PAULO AOKUSO’S THE REAL DEAL

Paulo Aokuso produced a boxing and showman’s masterclass to outpoint tough Cuban Yunieski Gonzalez.

Aokuso’s potential after just four pro bouts is extraordinary.

He was untroubled going 10 rounds for the first time, and was too fast and sharp for the former world title challenger.

Aokuso landed a stunning right hook-left uppercut combination to drop Gonzalez in the sixth round, and he was lucky to survive the ensuing onslaught as the bell rang.

But while Gonzalez gamely tried to rally, Aokuso had his measure and claimed the vacant IBO Inter-Continental light-heavyweight title, winning 100-89, 99-90 and 97-92.

Aokuso (4-0, 3KO) needed the step up in test after three early stoppage wins to begin his career, and he was up to the task.

Aokuso used his lightning jab and swift footwork to bamboozle Gonzalez, all the while winking at the television camera, talking to the ringside audience and strutting around the ring after exchanges.

Gonzalez (21-6, 17KO), who has fought superstar world champions Andre Dirrell and Gilberto Ramirez, spent the majority of the 10th round on the back foot, prompting Aokuso to give up and walk back to his corner before the final bell rang.

Meanwhile, two of OneFour’s members, Spenny and J-Emz, managed to sneak into Aokuso’s entourage for the ring walk. Although they weren’t performing.

A small win for OneFour over the Raptor squad...

- with jamie Pandaram

TRELLMIT IN DA QUDOS HOUSE

Souths superstar Latrell Mitchell watches on. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty
Souths superstar Latrell Mitchell watches on. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

2.37PM: GOODMAN’S MAD BUNCH IGNITES

Sam Goodman won a convincing points decision over the awkward veteran TJ Doheny to claim the WBO Oriental and IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight titles.

Goodman showed superior movement and sharp punching as he claimed a 10-round decision; 100-89, 98-92 and 97-92.

Goodman (14-0, 7KO) moves further into world title contention while inflicting the fourth loss to Doheny (23-4, 17KO).

Goodman dropped Doheny in the third round with a short left hook. While Doheny survived and was game for the rest of the fight, he was just a step behind.

The ringside doctor took a look at the cut over Doheny’s right eye in the seventh round, but it was not hindering his vision.

Cheered on by his raucous supporter group “The Mad Bunch”, Goodman raised his arms on the ropes after being awarded victory. - Jamie Pandaram

1.51PM: OFFICIALS CONFRONTED BY DISGRUNTLED STAR

A furious Issac Hardman says “something’s fishy” with boxing judging after dropping a split decision loss to Rohan Murdock.

Murdock won a close 10-round decision, but Hardman, coach Blair Studley and even boxing legend Jeff Fenech, were furious with the officiating.

Hardman called for a complete overhaul of judging and officiating in Australia.

“I’m 26-years-old, and the dinosaurs in the f***ing corner, they’ve had their go,” Hardman said. “Revamp the Australian National Boxing Federation.

“Get rid of them. It needs a cleanout, whoever it is. It needs a cleanout. One ref gave it 92-98 - that’s eight rounds to me - plus he got a point taken off him. What the f**k is that.

“Then the other ref gives in 92-97? What is that? It’s ridiculous.

“It’s really frustrating. I’ve seen it happen to my team, and it’s the same judges. One judge in particular, I won’t say his name, but one judge there, have always given us a bad go. Always. It’s disgusting, it really is. It’s f***ed.

“Something’s fishy.”

Hardman confronted officials afterwards in an angry manner and had to be calmed down.

Murdock 27-2 (19KO) inflicted the second defeat of Hardman’s career and was in tears afterward.

Murdock established his jab in the first round and was able to get around Hardman’s gloves with hooks in the second.

Murdock’s accuracy continued to dictate the next two rounds, before Hardman finally decided to up the ante and land some telling blows in the fifth with Murdock backed up against the ropes.

There was some strong exchanges in the middle rounds as both men found a home for their hooks.

Murdock landed some telling uppercuts in the late rounds and took the decision 97-92, 97-92, 93-96, with Hardman (13-2, 11KO) shaking his head at the result.

- with Jamie Pandaram and Brendan Bradford

Hardman unloads on officials.
Hardman unloads on officials.
Hardman lost the fight.
Hardman lost the fight.

1.27PM: WHERE’S TONY?

One half of this world title left it late.

Despite leaving his hotel at The Star at 12.30pm, Tony Harrison rocked up just 90 minutes before the fight at Qudos Bank Arena.

“Tony Harrison is nowhere to be seen,” Ben Damon reported ringside. “He was scheduled to arrive quite a while ago. We’re not quite sure what’s happening but hopefully he turns up.”

Maybe he was seeing the sites around The Star like Wenty Park or Super Bowl on Dixon.

12.40PM: ‘I HAVEN’T WATCHED IT’

Tim Tszyu is in the building - but he missed brother Nikita’s brutal stoppage.

“I just rocked up, bro, I’ve been in the car so I haven’t watched it (Nikita’s fight).

Nikita declared his devastating stoppage of Bo Belbin was “just the entrée” for his brother’s world title fight later this afternoon.

The younger Tszyu dropped previously unbeaten Belbin (7-1, 5KO) in the fourth round, then relentlessly unloaded a barrage before referee Will Soulos stepped in to save the Tasmanian from further punishment.

“That was just the entrée for the main course later,” Tszyu said, referencing his brother’s interim WBO super-welterweight title fight against Tony Harrison.

“Tim’s about to bring home a world title, and you’re all here to witness it.”

Nikita Tszyu (5-0, 4KO) is expected to fight Benjamin Bommber next in Melbourne.

- with Jamie Pandaram

ROBBED: JUDGES SLAMMED OVER DECISION

Boxing’s stink has left an ugly mark on one of the fights of the year.

Rivals Ben Mahoney and Koen Mazoudier fought to a 10-round split draw in an even 10-round bout for the WBA Oceania super-welterweight title.They both believed they’d won and called for an immediate rematch. One judge scored it for Mahoney, the other for Mazoudier, and the third had it 95-95.

“It’s a pretty disappointing performance from the judges to be honest,” Paul Kent lamented.

“I thought Mahoney won the fight. He certainly won more rounds as far as I was concerned. “Listening to Barry (Michael) during the call I thought he was spot on and I think most of us saw it that way. Mahoney controlled the fight for much longer periods than Koen Mazoudier did.

“We heard Mahoney’s (Queenslander) corner during the fight say ‘We’re in NSW, we’re in his crowd, we’re going to get robbed’ and I tell what that is prophetic.”

- with Jamie Pandaram

11.25AM: WATCH ONEFOUR WARM-UP

Jarome Luai will be filthy! The Panthers superstar and OneFour stan is ringside for the fights but he won’t be seeing his boys perform today.

What’s worse for the polarising five-eighth is OneFour had even warmed up their pipes in preparation for Paulo Aokuso’s walkout.

No OneFour for Jarome.
No OneFour for Jarome.

10.53AM: ONEFOUR CREW KO’D BY POLICE

Our expert ringside Jamie Pandaram with an update on controversial drill crew OneFour who planned to walk co-main event fighter Paulo Aokuso to the ring.

Notorious NSW gang squad Raptor has scored a late knock out on their long-running rival, canning the planned walkout. Heavy-handed? Possibly. Pac walked Iron Mike to the ring and OneFour doesn’t a candle to Makaveli!

FULL STORY HERE

10.30AM: ‘SELL THAT TOOTH ON EBAY’

Legendary fight caller Michael ‘The Voice’ Schiavello on the call is a delightful surprise - and he’s on fire early.

‘Aussie Russian’ Imam Khataev kicks the prelims off with a bang, starching ‘Korean Jake Paul’ Gi Sung Gwak with a left hook that sent the South Korean’s tooth four rows deep at Qudos Bank Arena.

“Look at that left hook that finished him,” Aussie boxing royalty Barry Michael said. “What a beautiful short left hook. Flush on the chin.”

“I think someone in the audience ringside has a souvenir of Gwak’s tooth they’ll take home,” Schiavello boomed as slow mo replays show Gwak’s piano key flying.

“A souvenir of Gwak’s lower canine.”

Khataev has set the tone for this dynamite card.

KOSTYA’S PREDICTION

Boxing legend Kostya Tszyu believes his son Tim is ready to build on the family’s Australian sporting legacy by tormenting Tony Harrison on Sunday to become a world champion.

Speaking to News Corp from Russia, the ‘Thunder from Down Under’ has no doubt Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15KO) has the tactical smarts to outclass Harrison (29-3-1, 21KO) in their world-title blockbuster at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.

“This is Tim’s time,” said Tszyu Snr (31-2, 25KO), who says his son has inherited his soul-destroying precision punching. “He can beat Harrison.”

READ THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE

TIM TSZYU EARNS LEGEND STATUS

The Daily Telegraph and Main Event boxing expert Paul Kent believe Tim Tszyu’s world title fight against Tony Harrison will be etched in Australian boxing folklore.

Kenty - not one for flippant statements - has nailed it. And while it has lacked the build up of the blockbusters before it, there’s a real sense Australia could have a new world champion in a couple of hours.

“It’s significant on a number of levels,” Kent said on the pre-fight panel. “Clearly from Tim’s point of view it’s a world titlefight and it’s the awakening of his career as a world champion hopefully.

“But on another level, this (fight) sits on the top rung of all those world title fights we’ve had and I’m talking about the big fights: Jeff Horn and Manny Pacquiao, and it goes back to when Barry Michael fought Lester Ellis and Jeff Fenech was fighting and leading the revolution in Australian boxing; Green-Mundine - it’s at that level.

“It’s going to be a milestone moment in Australian sport I believe.”

MAIN CARD

Tim Tszyu vs. Tony Harrison — 12 rounds, super welterweight – interim WBO super welterweight title

Paulo Aokuso def Yunieski Gonzalez via unanimous decision – vacant IBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title

Sam Goodman def TJ Doheny via unanimous decision - WBO ‘Oriental’ super bantamweight title

Rohan Murdock def Issac Hardman via split decision – vacant IBF Australasian super middleweight title

Nikita Tszyu def Bo Belbin via TKO

UNDERCARD

Ben Mahoney-Koen Mazoudier split draw - WBA Oceania super welterweight title

Shanell Dargan def Courtney Martin via unanimous decision

Imam Khataev def Gi Sung Gwak via KO

SOUTH KOREA’S ‘ANSWER TO JAKE PAUL’

Nikita Tszyu is planning an extraordinary five fights in 2023 and could be in line for the Australian title next.

The younger brother of Tim Tszyu, Nikita begins the Main Event undercard at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday against undefeated Tasmanian Bo Belbin in a six round super-welterweight clash.

But it can be revealed that plans are already in place for Nikita to fight rising star Benjamin Bommber in Melbourne within two months if he defeats Belbin.

Tszyu’s management team believe he’ll be in a position to fight for the Australian title held by Victor Nagbe within two fights, and plan to keep him extremely active this year as they fast-track him towards a world ranking.

Nikita, Boris and Tim Tszyu. Pictured: Sam Ruttyn
Nikita, Boris and Tim Tszyu. Pictured: Sam Ruttyn

Usually, busy fighters will have up to three fights a year, but Nikita Tszyu (4-0, 3KO) is hoping to follow Tim towards a world title shot sooner.

Tim claimed the Australian super-welterweight title in his 13th professional fight, against Joel Camilleri, but the plan is for Nikita to win it within seven pro bouts.

Meanwhile, the Fox Sports televised bouts to open the Tim Tszyu versus Tony Harrison interim WBO title fight will feature South Korea’s version of Jake Paul.

Gi Sung Gwak, who fights Russian Imam Khataev, was a member of South Korea’s national gaming team before he became a pro boxer.

Boxer Gi Sung Gwak (far left) with the South Korean national professional gaming team.
Boxer Gi Sung Gwak (far left) with the South Korean national professional gaming team.

The 29-year-old was playing online video games against rivals from around the world, with audiences in the millions, before deciding on a starkly different pursuit five years ago.

“I was a professional gamer, but I was getting too fat, so I started boxing training to get fit,” he said.

“It started as a hobby, but I really liked it, so I decided to turn professional three years ago.”

He has since recorded victories in all four of his fights, three by knockout, in the light-heavyweight division.

But big-punching 28-year-old Khataev is also undefeated, with two knockout wins from as many fights.

WHO IS ON THE UNDERCARD?

PRELIMS (from 10am)

Koen Mazoudier vs. Ben Mahoney — 10 rounds, super welterweight – WBA Oceania super welterweight title

Shanell Dargan vs. Courtney Martin — 4 rounds, featherweight

Imam Khataev vs. Gi Sung Gwak — 8 rounds, light heavyweight

MAIN CARD (from midday AEDT)

Tim Tszyu vs. Tony Harrison — 12 rounds, super welterweight – interim WBO super welterweight title

Paulo Aokuso vs. Yunieski Gonzalez — 10 rounds, light heavyweight – vacant IBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title

Sam Goodman vs. TJ Doheny — 10 rounds, super bantamweight – WBO ‘Oriental’ super bantamweight title

Issac Hardman vs. Rohan Murdock — 10 rounds, super middleweight – vacant IBF Australasian super middleweight title

Nikita Tszyu vs. Bo Belbin — 6 rounds, super welterweight

More Coverage

Kostya Tszyu exclusive: ‘This is Tim’s time’
Peter Badel
Aokuso signs ‘crazy’ deal alongside The Rock
Jamie Pandaram

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/tim-tszyu-vs-tony-harrison-when-is-fight-time-in-australia-live-stream-undercard-how-to-watch/news-story/246d3175276c70873e7365a518d3533f