‘Last fight in Australia for a while’: Tim Tszyu to take on the world

Tim Tszyu has conquered Australia, becoming a household name in the country, but the boxing champ is ready to give up his home ground advantage.

Tim Tszyu is set to take on the world. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu has already conquered Australia — now it’s time to take over the world.

The 28-year-old super welterweight star is set to be elevated to the WBO world champion when undisputed champion Jermell Charlo takes to the ring to fight Canelo Alvaraz on October 1 Australian time.

Boxing: Canelo vs Charlo SUN 1st OCT 12PM AEDT | Tszyu vs Mendoza SUN 15th OCT 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

But despite the fact he’ll be elevated to the world champion status before he fights Brian Mendoza on the Gold Coast on October 15, Tszyu admits he’s gone as far as he can in Australia if he wants to win over the rest of the world.

If Tszyu defeats KO artist Mendoza, who is the WBC interim champion, there will be plenty of massive fights on the table for the Aussie, who has dominated all-comers in his 23-0 (17KO) professional record.

Tszyu’s win over Tony Harrison in March really silenced the last of the critics and a win over Mendoza, particular if it’s dominant, will open up some big money opportunities.

Tszyu has been mentioned in regards to mega-fights against the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence and Alvarez after his fight with Charlo.

Unfortunately for Aussie fans who have been along for the ride with Tszyu, the biggest fights are rarely fought in Australia.

Here comes Tim Tszyu. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Tszyu, who is training in Las Vegas ahead of the Mendoza fight at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, said he’s ready to take on the world in the world’s backyard.

“Driving past the T-Mobile Arena and the MGM Grand here, it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for myself,” Tszyu said after coming face-to-face with Mendoza for the first time in a press conference on Thursday.

“I see this as the last fight in Australia for a good time.

“I was lucky and blessed enough to keep active and keep fighting, and we were able to have that fan base and keep bringing big fights (to Australia).

“But for the next few years, I believe this will be the last fight in Australia for some time.”

Currently, Tszyu has fought just one fight outside of Australia, when he took on US Olympian Terrell Gausha in Minneapolis in March 2022.

Tszyu was knocked down in the first round of that fight but bounced back for a dominant points victory.

With Charlo having not fought since May 2022, Tszyu has claimed the mantle of top dog in the division.

“When you feel like you’re the king of the jungle, you don’t need to tell people why you’re king of the jungle,” Tszyu said. “You just need to go out there and show it.

“I’m on the grind every day, and I’m improving every day.

“It’s this crazy obsession I have and that’s what allows me to keep moving up and up and up.

“I don’t want to stay on the sidelines. I’m hungry.”

Tszyu demolished Carlos Ocampo. Picture: No Limit Boxing

The comments may be music to Mendoza’s ears as he has proven himself a giant-killer, having defeated Jeison Rosario before taking Sebastian Fundora WBC interim title in the last year.

While Tszyu hasn’t rested on his laurels, with this fight to be his third this year after his fight with Charlo fell through following the American’s broken hand.

“There’s nothing bigger than a victory where you’re not expected to win,” he said. “If you get a tune up fight and you win, it’s cool, but you’re supposed to win.

“But when you get a win when you’re not supposed to, there’s nothing sweeter than that, and it’s a high I’m chasing for the rest of my life.

“I’m going to flip those fans and steal a few of them for myself.”