‘Crumpled mess’: 21yo Aussie arrives with huge upset, ‘ruins Tszyu fairytale’

A 21-year-old has announced his arrival onto the Australian boxing scene with an upset win that ruined a fairytale Nikita Tszyu script.

Anton Markovic destroyed Viliami Liavaa.

Remember the name Anton Markovic.

The young Sydneysider could well be Nikita Tszyu’s next opponent after he upset much hyped Kiwi Viliami Liavaa on the No Limit on Fox boxing card on Wednesday night.

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No Limit promoter George Rose had said Liavaa was all but assured a shot at Tszyu if he won, but those plans went out the window after Markovic made him look second rate.

Markovic peppered Liavaa with body shots and sent him tumbling to the canvas with a brutal left jab to the ribs midway through the second round.

Liavaa was down on his haunches and couldn’t get up, handing Markovic the knockout win.

“A brutal body shot from Anton Markovic, who gets the stoppage against the odds and ruins the fairytale for the Kiwi,” Ben Damon said in commentary on Fox Sports.

“He has arrived in the big time in Australian boxing.

Anton Markovic destroyed Viliami Liavaa.

“He (Liavaa) never looked like getting up. That’s brutal stuff. He’s still wincing and he’s hobbling back to his corner.

“An enormous body shot that buckled him, sent him down.

“He’s still a crumpled mess. He was all set for a shot at Nikita Tszyu. Instead, he has some recovery.”

Body. Ripped. ⚡️#NoLimitOnFoxpic.twitter.com/6OzS5f6FDp

— No Limit Boxing (@NoLimit_Boxing) March 6, 2024

Harry Garside added: “Really showed his power there Markovic. He’s a dangerous man.

“You almost see the soul leaving the body. I reckon that’s done a couple of ribs.”

Asked if he would like to fight the younger Tszyu brother, Markovic said: “If he’s up for it, I’d welcome that opportunity 100 per cent”.

A super welterweight fight with fellow Aussie Ben Hussain is more likely to be on the cards for the 21-year-old.

Tszyu has a perfect 8-0 record and is the Australian super welterweight champion after he beat Dylan Biggs in November.