Tim Tszyu prize? Brock Jarvis-Keith Thurman press conference explodes as insults fly

Brock Jarvis and Keith Thurman delivered fireworks at their first press conference, but it was the revelation of a potential showdown with Tim Tszyu that really ignited proceedings.

Brock Jarvis fires up at Keith Thurman. Picture: No Limit Boxing

“Your career’s going backwards faster than your hairline.”

That’s Brock Jarvis’ message as he warned Keith Thurman not to overlook him as the fast-talking American pursues a fight with Tim Tszyu later in the year.

Sydneysider Jarvis will face the toughest test of his career against former welterweight world champion Thurman on March 12 at the Hordern Pavilion in No Limit’s first pay per view show of 2025.

A win for either man could pave the way for a PPV blockbuster against Tszyu later in 2025.

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Tszyu - who hasn’t fought since his shock loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October - is loosely slated to return to the ring in April, but has unfinished business with Thurman, who pulled out of their scheduled Las Vegas fight due to injury nearly 12 months ago.

“Thee you thoon,” Tszyu posted to social media on Wednesday afternoon, referencing Thurman’s Mike Tyson-esque lisp. “We got some unfinished business.”

Tim Tszyu calls out Keith Thurman on Instagram.

Speaking after a fiery press conference during which 36-year-old Thurman promised to “beat him like his daddy did”, Jarvis promised a nasty wake-up call once the enigmatic American arrives Down Under.

“I’m not sure what his incentive is for coming here, I’d imagine it’s a fight in the future with Tim,” Jarvis, 27, told this masthead.

“But when you’re looking for tune-up fights, it’s the wrong mindset and I see it as a sign of weakness.

“He picked me, he wouldn’t have known who I was, and they’ve picked the wrong guy.

“I told him he’s declining faster than his hairline. That’s a fact.

“The ball will be in my court once I get through Keith.”

A Jarvis upset opens the door for domestic and international blockbusters, but the former De La Salle footy player wouldn’t be drawn on a showdown with Tszyu,

“I’m Australian, and whatever fight that’s intriguing to the Australian public, I’ll take,” he said. “It will catapult my career and I’ll move on to whatever fight makes sense.

Jarvis returned from a two-year lay-off with a one-sided win over Adrian Rodriguez in December. Pictures: No Limit Boxing/Gregg Porteous

“I’m here to train and fight, simple as that.”

Speaking from his base in Florida, Thurman – who hasn’t fought in three years – admitted he had no idea who Jarvis was before the fight was put to him.

“You have to understand that Keith Thurman has not only been a world champion, but has beaten world champions,” said Thurman, whose only loss is to Manny Pacquiao, and who boasts wins over Mario Barrios, Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter.

“This is not about Brock. You guys love him, but when Keith Thurman steps into the ring, it’s always the Thurman show.

“This is gonna be one of the greatest comebacks of 2025. This is history in the making.

“This is Sugar Ray Leonard, this is Muhammad Ali after prison time.”

Jarvis took aim at Thurman’s hairline at Wednesday’s press conference. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Sitting in a TV studio in Sydney wearing a sharp new suit, Jarvis fired back: “The show’s over, Keith.

“It’s over. You’ve had your time, you’re past it.”

As tensions flared, Thurman fired back: “You got knocked out two fights ago, you will not handle five rounds.

“You’re a child. You’re an amateur, you’re not a man.

“Just like your daddy, I’m gonna give you a good whooping.

“I’m about this life, son. We’re the big fish. You got slapped the first time you tried to meet a champion, and you’re about to get slapped one more time. I’ll be happy to give you the whooping your daddy never did.”

Thurman then confirmed he’s eyeing up a shot at Tszyu.

“You guys want it, the promoters want it,” he said. “I’m gonna remind people of who Keith Thurman is by beating up on some kangaroos.”

The stacked March 12 undercard will also feature Florida-based Sydney star Mateo Tapia, while Michael Zerafa takes on Germany’s Besir Ay (19-1) as the Melburnian continues his own quest for a big-money bout with Tszyu.

“He’s running away from me,” Zerafa said of Tszyu.

“He uses petty excuses saying that I’m money hungry and whatnot, which is definitely not the case.

“He’s been exposed one too many times now.

“Tim Tszyu has got his head straight in his ass.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu prize? Brock Jarvis-Keith Thurman press conference explodes as insults fly