Tim Tszyu stuns America in US debut with brutal ‘mauling’

American boxing fans have been given their first glimpse of Aussie phenom Tim Tszyu, and it’s fair to say they like what they see.

The punch was flush. Photo: Fox Sports

The United States has been given its first glimpse of Tim Tszyu, and it’s fair to say they like what they see.

The Australian boxing phenom toppled American rival Terrell Gausha in a 12-round contest at a packed Minneapolis Armory via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 116-111, 115-111, 114-113.

Watch Tim Tszyu vs Terrell Gausha LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 27th March from 11am AEDT. ORDER NOW >

The epic fight has already being heralded as “fight of the year” by boxing pundits, including Australian icon Jeff Fenech.

“This has been a crazy fight,” he said in commentary.

“This could be fight of the year.”

Tszyu was dramatically knocked down in the first round of his US debut by a vicious right hand, but dominated the rest of the contest to maintain an unbeaten record of 21-0 in professional boxing.

The 27-year-old swung the fight firmly in his favour when he landed a brutal body shot to secure a crucial knockdown in the fourth round that completely shifted momentum in his favour.

It’s honestly baffling that judge Robert Hecko scored the fight 114-113, and boxing pundits gleefully ripped into him for the bizarre call.

Tszyu landed 236 punches at 31.5 per cent, while Gausha only managed 163 at 27.8 per cent.

CODE Sports journalist Brendan Bradford called it “tremendously bad judging”, while boxing reporter Dan Rafael labelled the scores “absurd”.

😂😂how a judge scored it 114-113 is a joke! #boxing#TszyuGausha

— Bryson Goodwin (@Bryson_Goodwin) March 27, 2022

One of the judges scored it 114-113😂 Never change you moronic Americans. Bloke was a punching bag for 10 of the 12 runs. #TszyuGausha

— Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) March 27, 2022

114-113?? Bruh what?? Lol#TszyuGausha

— Will Blackmon 🍷 (@WillBlackmon) March 27, 2022

“It was good I faced adversity for the first time and came back,” Tszyu said post-fight.

“He’s one hell of a warrior and a true gentleman. That is a great lesson for myself. I got back up and I dug deep. He kept coming forward and I was like, ‘F*** it’, I’m going to keep fighting.

“I’m here to really take over and I believe it.

“It’s in my heart, in my destiny.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Jamie Pandaram tweeted: “Tszyu absolutely dominant, Gausha is on the ropes hoping to counter with one that might floor his opponent again, but Tszyu looks fresh and strong.

“He came to the US with a lot of hype around his skill. He leaves with a lot of admiration for his will. He is a problem in the super-welterweight division.”

CBS reporter Brian Campbell posted: “Tim Tszyu is absolutely smothering Gausha in R12. Just a mauling.

“Tim Tszyu proved tonight he belongs among the 154-pound elite. He also showed he’s going to need to legitimately fight his way to a possible world title. Nothing will be easy.”

Tszyu has some heavy hands and Gausha has taken a lot of punishment but he is fighting back. He has a puncher's chance in these last two rounds and that's about it. Gutsy performance. #boxing

— Bob Velin (@BobVelin) March 27, 2022

Gausha is just taking a beating. #TszyuGausha#boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 27, 2022

Tszyu retains his No. 1 WBO super-welterweight ranking — the Aussie is in line for the unified titles after Brian Castano and Jermell Charlo have their rematch on Saturday, May 14.

“I’ll be definitely there, I’ll be coming for the two boys, whoever wants it can get it,” Tszyu said.

The hype is real.