Coming into this weekends bout at the Quodos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, Tim Tszyu has faced questions about his legitimacy as a junior middleweight contender. Most of the assertions have come from his opponent, Tony Harrison, himself, who believes that Tsyzu has been carefully guided by his handlers and helped by political power based on his bloodline.
This fight is being contested for the WBC interim 154-pound title. Originally, Tszyu was set to face undisputed junior middleweight champion, Jermell Charlo, in late January before that fight was post-poned as he suffered an injury to his left hand.
With that, Tszyu, who had not performed since last March against Terrell Gausha, was left scrambling for a fight to stay busy. Many believed he simply wasn't ready to face Charlo. It says here that if he beats Harrison, Tsyzu will stamp himself as a leading contender. Even though he is ranked third in the division by Ring Magazine, there are still those who are suspicious of him.
Showtime
Harrison has been flat out dismissive of his foe.
TIM TSZYU & TONY HARRISON FACE OFF | Main Event | Fox Sports Australia
The insinuations about Tszyu are a bit unfair, though. As you look at his ledger, there are familiar names like Gausha, Takeshi Inoue and Dennis Hogan. Not exactly, 'Murderers Row', but in today's game, it's a pretty standard run up to a title shot. The days of Marvin Hagler going through 'iron' in Philadelphia as a young prospect, are long gone.
What really gives people doubt is that against Gausha, Tszyu was sent down to the canvas by an overhand right in the opening round. It was a bit reminiscent of his father's downfall versus Vince Phillips.
Showtime
To his credit, he pretty much controlled the next 11 rounds, but you got the sense that he needed much more marinating before facing the hardened Charlo.
As for Harrison (who is ranked fourth by Ring at 154), he is the much more seasoned fighter. Back in 2019, he took the WBC title by decisioning Charlo, but then lost the rematch by 11th round stoppage. After being idle in 2020, he was held to a draw by Bryant Perella. His last outing he was much sharper in scoring a clear cut 10 round verdict over Sergio Garcia last April.
That native of Detroit is a technically sound, well-schooled boxer. He has the skills to trouble Tszyu, but you wonder if his chin will hold up. Keep this in mind, all three of his losses have been of the stoppage variety.
This isn't the fight that Tszyu wanted, but it may turn out to be the one he needed.
SHOWTIME
This bout is part of the Showtime schedule which was released last week. In the previous K9's Corner, I forgot to put up the lineup. So here it is:
Showtime
Keep in mind, pay-per-view events do not come with your Showtime subscription
A GOOD MAN
I was saddened to hear bout the recent passing of Bobby Goodman, who played many roles throughout his long and illustrious career in boxing. For 25 years he was with Don King Productions, doing everything from matchmaking, public relations and served as the vice president of DKP
Bobby also received the Boxing Writers Association of America’s James J. Walker Memorial Award for long and meritorious service in boxing in 1980. He also was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009, the New York Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018 as well as the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019.
“Bobby Goodman was a great man, a dear friend and an asset to the sport of boxing,” said Hall of Fame promoter Don King. “He was a tireless worker and loved boxing and everyone who was a part of boxing. We will truly miss him and we send our deepest condolences to his entire family. The Lord giveth and the lord taketh away.”
Goodman also worked at Madison Square Garden where he helped develop world champions like Buddy McGirt, Aaron Davis, Junior Jones, Tracy Patterson and Kevin Kelley.
I always found Goodman to be very courteous any time I called about questions about DKP cards, and to me, he was the consummate 'boxing guy', who dedicated his life to the sport.
Rest in peace.
BONZAI
Yes, it's official, unified junior bantamweight champion, Stephen Fulton, will be headed to the 'Land of the Rising Sun' to face former undisputed bantamweight king, Naoyo Inoue. ESPN+ will stream this on May 7 from the Yokohoma Arena.
ESPN+
Fulton-Inoue is quite simply one of the three best fights that can be made in the sport.
