Nikita Tszyu vs. Dylan Biggs: Jeff Fenech’s huge call on rising star Mounir Fathi

UNDERCARD WHISPERS: Jeff Fenech hasn’t been this impressed by a young boxer in years. But in Mounir Fathi, the Australian boxing icon says the sky is the limit for the 28-year-old pugilist.

Jeff Fenech has huge hopes for one rising star. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Mounir Fathi is just six fights into his professional career, but has already earned the respect of one of the greatest Australian fighters to ever step into the ring.

The 28-year-old made his first appearance on a No Limit card in August, knocking out Jerome Pascua and immediately winning over Jeff Fenech.

BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT |Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

“He could be anything, the kid is amazing,” Fenech told this masthead. “He gets hit a bit, but the reason he does is because he’s so confident in his distance that he’s ready to counter.

“He’s riding the punches, he has a great eye.

“I haven’t been impressed with someone like that in a while.”

Fathi fights Joel Pavlides in what could be a middleweight show-stealer, but has campaigned at super-welterweight in the past.

Mounir Fathi and Joel Pavlides could steal the show. Picture: No Limit Boxing

“I know he’s the same division as Nikita, but I’d keep them all away from him,” Fenech added.

The Moroccan-born Fathi was signed by No Limit to a multi-year deal in August, and is under the guidance of former world champion Billy Dib.

“He’s devastating, I’m telling you, the sky’s the limit for Mounir,” Dib told this masthead. “I really feel like I’ve got the golden goose.

“He will hit them and it’s gonna be goodnight Irene when he does.”

Knights weigh-in

There were a few nervous looking Newcastle Knights faces in the crowd at Tuesday’s weigh-ins.

Adam Elliott, Bradman Best, Tyson Gamble and Phoenix Crossland all hit the scales to see where they’re tracking after a long off-season.

None of the four local heroes blew out too much, with Crossland coming in at 93kg compared to his playing weight of 86kg.

The biggest shock was Elliott, who, despite getting married to Millie Boyle and starting renovations on their home since the 2023 season ended, actually came in nearly a kilo under his playing weight.

He and Best – who was a seriously talented amateur fighter – then had a friendly face-off, with Elliott shoving the centre in the chest.

Knights teammates Adam Elliott and Bradman Best square off at Tuesday’s weigh-ins. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Coleman eyes up Tszyu

Co-main event fighters Issac Hardman and Troy Coleman had to be forcibly separated after getting into a shoving match at the weigh-ins.

They went head-to-head, before Hardman shoved the Englishman in the chest as the spicy build-up to their IBO Inter-Continental title fight continues.

The latest sledge comes as the Thailand-based Coleman says he wants to keep fighting in Australia after beating the Headsplitter.

“Once I beat Issac, the phone’s going to ring again,” he told this masthead. “This is his promotion, so they’ll be a bit pissed off because they’ve invested time into him.

“But I’m a good lad, I like the country and I’d like to come back.”

Hardman and Coleman are separated after weighing in. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Coleman even has plans on taking on one of the men in the main event.

“Once I beat Issac, we can come back and I can fight at 154 pounds or 160 pounds,” he said. “The main event is 154, so who knows?

“Maybe Tszyu wins, maybe Biggs, it’s a good 50-50 fight. So once I win, we can sort something out.”

Fawcett’s quick turnaround

Coach Joel Keegan is putting together a stable of killers at his Central Coast gym.

Not only does Keegan handle future world title challenger Sam Goodman, but the Complete Boxing mentor also coaches Jason Fawcett.

Barely a month after his controversial decision defeat to Zeke Campbell for the NSW welterweight title, Fawcett is already back in action against Jordan Martin on the PPV undercard.

Jason Fawcett (R) is giving up a huge height advantage. Picture: No Limit Boxing

Fawcett’s team is convinced he was robbed against Campbell, but remains confident for his future after watching him spar in Las Vegas earlier this year.

“He sparred Jose Ramirez and carved him up,” Goodman’s manager Pete Mitrevski tells this masthead. “Robert Garcia was begging him to stay on as a sparring partner, but all he wanted to do was return to the Central Coast.”

The Joel Keegan-trained, Steve Kremisis-advised Fawcett was supported at Tuesday’s weigh-ins by Bradman Best, and plans on fighting for national titles next year.

Taliva’a wants headline bout

Liam Taliva’a is quickly earning a reputation as Australia’s most-avoided heavyweight.

After seven would-be opponents turned him down for a fight in June, the knockout artist takes on Brandon Grach.

And despite his troubles locking in opponents, Taliva’a hopes to be headlining pay per view cards in 12 months’ time.

“I’ve got the right team behind me to make some big moves, and I reckon we’ll make a bit of noise,” he told this masthead. “I believe I’m the best heavyweight in Australia, and that’s why these fights need to happen.

“There’s a lot of lads on the list, and they’re all main event worthy. Australia wants to see these fights.”

Liam Taliva’a is aiming for top spot next year. Picture: No Limit Boxing

As for names, Taliva’a wants them all.

Toese Vousiutu?

“Toese’s on the list,” he said. “A few other lads too. Bigger fights as well.”

That’s music to No Limit boss, George Rose’s ears.

“I love that energy, and I love Liam’s approach to the sport,” Rose told this masthead. “That’s what I want to hear.

“I’d love to build him up and have a fight night with Liam Taliva’a headlining on the back of a winning streak.

“I’d love to build up these Australian heavyweights and send them overseas to fight the best in the world.”

Song and dance over the walkouts

Drama over who will walk to the ring second in the main event has dominated this week’s fight coverage.

Tszyu will likely walk second as the A-side of the bout, but Biggs’ team demands he be given the honour considering he’s champion.

There’s even been talk that Biggs’ team will refuse to leave the changing room if they’re ordered to walk first.

Rose reckons he has a few contingency plans in place in case of any hold ups.

“If the door is knocked on and they don’t open it, I’ve prepared a dance routine,” he joked. “Issac Hardman is going to join it.

“We’re prepared to fill the time.”

Originally published as Nikita Tszyu vs. Dylan Biggs: Jeff Fenech’s huge call on rising star Mounir Fathi