By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing
Australia’s biggest boxing draw, WBO #2 light Tim Tszyu was ready to step in when it looked like the world title fight between WBO junior middleweight champion Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) and mandatory contender Brian Castano (16-0-1, 12 KOs) wouldn’t be possible for the time being. However, with the announcement that Teixeira-Castano is set for February 13, Tszyu (17-0, 13 KOs) will have to put his WBO title aspirations on hold for the time being. The Teixeira-Castano winner can expect a lucrative offer to face Tszyu down under later this year.
If I was Tszyu’s team, I would be satisfied waiting a hair longer on a title shot. Why? After I watched Tszyu’s most recent fight, I feel there is more work to be in the gym with better head movement, being less flat-footed, and improving offensive attacks. Tim is still young and waiting a hair longer I feel will give him even better confidence and boxing skills to stay solidified as a future champion. My 2 cents…… Happy holidays!
I agree re there being no harm in waiting, but not sure you could take anything away from that last fight. His shot selection looked good but not sure you could deduce much else!
He needs to fight someone in his weight class for once like Zerafa or someone with a heartbeat.
No more beating up the smaller guys.
Well Zerafa got bashed by one of those “smaller” guys in Horn so fighting him would be going backwards for Tim. And anyway, if you can believe it, Zerafa is fighting the 105 yr old Mundine.
Mundine is ready to come back – every time he is supposed to lose he wins. He beats Zeraffa he deserves a shot against Timmy – easy night for Tim gets a big crowd/pay day. Or else Mundine get KOed in 3 rds by Zeraffa.
Mundine has zero chance of beating Zerafa. The fact that this fight has even been made is a shame. Choc can hardly string his words together anymore.
Why, he’s basically following the GGG format. He would often beat up dudes coming from 147 and 154. He became a big star doing that so Tszyu’s team is actually smart for beating up smaller guys.
I believe that Tim and his father know what they are doing. However the aussie people and press don’t. 😀
I am one of those believing Tim is not ready yet to be facing the real top guys at 154, not just yet, but eventually he will. I believe also there is some kind of urgency and fear from the promoters. Urgency to have him in that endeavor now, because he still undefeated and at the peak of the hype, and fear to put him with a real top guy and get exposed, bringing to whole plan down.WBO rankings have Tim as number 2, Liam Smith 3 and Jarret Hurd 4. An elimination bout to find a mandatory could happen, Liam Smith could be a fine test, less dangerous by a mile than Hurd. If Tim defeats a guy at Liam Smith level, he is ready.
I think Liam Smith is headed for a fight with Jessie Vargas.
I do agree with you that Tszyu needs a bit more seasoning, I actually think a pretty good fight would be against Carlos Adames. Adames’ star didn’t turn out to be as bright as a lot thought it might be just yet, but it would essentially be a fight between 2 prospects.
Adames could be a great matchup. Another one is an undefeated Spaniard guy named Sergio Garcia who is promoted by Sergio Martinez. Check some highlights of him
Agree Mikemiguel
Adames would be a great fight but i think his team are trying to get him rated higher before taking on anyone like Tsyzu where there would be no money in it. As for Garcia i think it would be the same deal as Adames unless they fight for a vacant title.
Tsyzu in 2! lol