As it happened: Tszyu victorious in all-Australian blockbuster

In summing up ...

This surely is the end for Jeff Horn. What an incredible warrior he has been. Let's remember him for that magical night against Manny Pacquiao and that incredible war he waged against Michael Zerafa. Let's hope this was his last fight; there is nothing left to prove.

As for Tim Tszyu ... this is your time. Pitted against his toughest opponent yet, Tszyu dominated from the opening bell. You could not have wished for a more clinical and composed performance.

Based on what we saw tonight, he is now ready to contest for a world title.

That's all from us. Make sure you read Phil Lutton's wrap from Townsville.

Good night!

Jeff Horn gave the following in his post-fight interview: “Tim was young, hungry, he’s an absolute champion.

“I wouldn’t put anything past him, he’s an absolute legend, I hope all of Australia can support him now.

“He now is the No.1 in Australia. He’s certainly earned it now … and he can fly that flag for Australia.

“He was out-boxing me out there and he has that young blood … Tim has that hunger about him. I’ve been there and done that. Tim is very hungry for that win and I can feel that through him tonight.

“He’s got that champion’s spirit in him, I can feel it.”

Tim Tszyu believes he has emerged from the shadow of his father, world champion Kostya, after this performance.

“I just want everyone to know my name is Tim," he said.

“Not the son.

“All respect to Jeff, he has achieved so much, he has given Australia this platform.

“He was a tough competitor, but this is a young man’s sport. I was better this night."

Asked about the improvement he showed, Tszyu said: “It’s sink or swim and I’m not going to sink, I’m here to swim.

“I want to represent everyone here in Townsville, everyone in Australia, Russia … everyone around the world.

“I want the real world title (belt) around my waist soon.”

We have witnessed something special here in Townsville. Jeff Horn has just passed on the baton to Tim Tszyu, who has proven himself world class in a flawless performance. Horn's promoter, Matt Rose, has timed Tszyu's career to perfection; each fight has represented a step up in class and Tszyu has been up to it on every occasion.

"It was an honour to share the ring with Jeff," Tszyu said in his victory speech.

And it's over. TSZYU WINS.

After getting belted in the eighth round, Horn has failed to come out for the ninth.

Mercifully, the fight has been stopped before Horn took some serious punishment. This was one of the most dominant performances imaginable. Tszyu has conquered the best in Australia and now the world awaits.

Tim Tszyu celebrates after defeating Jeff Horn.Credit: Getty Images

Tszyu is announcing himself on the world stage with this performance. This has been an absolute masterclass. He can sense Horn is about to drop, but is remaining patient and picking Horn off at will. There was a sentiment that Tszyu had taken on too much too early in taking on Horn, but this performance has been flawless. Kostya's son has won every round on my card.

This is becoming difficult to watch. Tszyu has dropped Horn a second time. Again, Horn has shown incredible fight to get back to his feet but someone is going to have to save him from himself. Horn took a vicious right hand before being dropped with a body shot. It would take a miracle punch for Horn to win from here.

Jeff Horn is literally just hanging on here. Tszyu is hitting him almost at will. This has been a complete performance from Tszyu to date. He knows he has got Horn in all sorts of trouble, working the head and the body repeatedly.

Horn's corner are telling him: "You've got to go first."

Will take a massive turnaround for Horn to get out of this pickle.

Tim Tszyu lands a punch on Jeff Horn.Credit: Getty Images

Tszyu is in total control here. He's landed some very big right hands that have wobbled Horn. Showing incredible maturity for a man in just his 16th fight, Tszyu has controlled this from the outset. Horn has shown incredible courage to remain on his feet. I can't see this going the distance.

Jeff Horn is in massive trouble here. Tim Tszyu has just dropped him with a massive left uppercut. Horn was able to get back to his feet and made it to the bell. But Tszyu is totally dominating.

"This will be the last round," Fenech said in commentary.

Horn is just hanging on here ...

Tim Tszyu knocks down Jeff Horn during the WBO Global & IBF Australasian Super Welterweight title bout.Credit: Getty Images