Anthony Mundine says Tim Tszyu needs more top-class bouts before fighting for a world title

Anthony Mundine wants Tim Tszyu to “work on his craft” in more bouts before challenging for a world title.

Tim Tszyu (left) cops a punch from Terrell Gausha. Tszyu won on points. Picture: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFP

Australian boxing great Anthony Mundine says Tim Tszyu isn’t ready to fight for a world title.

Fighting for the first time in the United States, the undefeated Tszyu survived a first-round knockdown to beat tough American Terrell Gausha on Sunday (AEDT) via a unanimous points decision after 12 rounds.

Tszyu (21-0, 15KO) retained his No.1 WBO light middleweight (super welterweight) ranking with his latest victory.

He is now in line to fight for the weight division’s unified titles after Brian Castano and Jermell Charlo meet in their rematch on May 14.

American Charlo is the WBC, IBF and WBA super welterweight champion, while Argentine Castano holds the WBO title.

Mundine, a former world middleweight and super middleweight world champion, believes Tszyu isn’t ready to fight either Charlo or Castano on the evidence of his win over Gausha.

“It’s a bit premature for him (Tszyu) to be fighting Charlo or Castano,” Mundine said.

“I don’t think he’s up to it yet. It’s a big step up in class. He made some mistakes (against Gausha) and he needs to learn from them.

“He should have another three, four, five fights in America after tough opponents before fighting for the world title.

“He’s still got to work on his craft.”

Tim Tszyu (left) isn’t ready for a world title, shot according to Anthony Mundine. Picture: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFP

However, Mundine admitted it would be tough to turn down a world title fight if that was offered to Tszyu as his next bout.

“That would be his personal decision. If he believes he can do it, that’s his choice,” Mundine said.

“I wish him all the best in his career.”

Mundine maintains a keen interest in the success of Australian boxers, who now include his son Rahim Mundine.

Rahim, who had no amateur bouts, won on debut last Wednesday night in Sydney when he beat Fijian Lepani Levatia via unanimous decision.

“I never wanted him to be a fighter, but now as an adult, he’s made that decision,” Anthony said of Rahim, who also plays rugby league for the Wests Tigers under-20s.

“He’s not mentally strong yet, and that’s different to the way I was. I’m teaching him to be mentally tougher.

“I still want him to focus on his footy and then have some more fights in the off-season.”

With the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan starting on Saturday, Mundine has launched the IsoWhey Ramadan Shake.

“It’s extremely high in slow-release protein, fibre from dates and hydration ingredients that help me sustain my energy throughout the day,” Mundine said.

The IsoWhey Ramadan Shake is available at www.isowhey.com.au.

Originally published as Anthony Mundine says Tim Tszyu needs more top-class bouts before fighting for a world title