Back in February of 2022, Tim Tszyu scored a clear cut decision over veteran Terrell Gausha. But while he won, this night was far from perfect at the Armory in Minneapolis. Early in the contest, Gausha struck Tszyu with a right hand that sent him on the seat of his pants.
While he was rated number one in by the WBO, the heir of 'King Kostya' simply wasn't ready for Jermell Charlo, who a few months later became the undisputed champion at 154.
Tim Tszyu vs Terrell Gausha HIGHLIGHTS: March 26, 2022 | PBC on SHOWTIME
Charlo-Tszyu was scheduled for late January of this year, but Charlo pulled out citing a hand injury.
And it was the best thing to ever happen for Tszyu.
Matt Roberts/No Limit Boxing
Since that time, he has gone on to dominante former titlist, Tony Harrison, in nine rounds in March. And this past weekend he decimated Carlos O'Campo in less than one. Again, you can argue that these are fights he's expected to win, but it's the manner in which he did that has opened eyes. He has come a long ways since that night in Minnesota.
Tim Tszyu Knocks Out Carlos Ocampo In Round 1 | SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL
“I have a question for everyone here, what’s my mother— name?” said Tszyu in the immediate aftermath of his destruction, which was seen in the States on Showtime. This was certainly an emphatic victory by the 28 year old who improved his mark to 23-0 (17 KOs).
Matt Roberts/No Limit Boxing
Tszyu doesn't just resemble is father, but he fights eerily similar to him. From his upright stance, to the probing left jab, the lethal straight right hand, and concussive power from both sides. Yes, this is father very much like son.
It's clear that Tsyzu has improved as a fighter -- and yes, say it with me... activity....matters -- and has clearly developed into a bona-fide draw 'Down Under'. Meanwhile Charlo has languished since stopping Brian Castano last May in their rematch.
When this match-up was first broached, it seemed a tad premature for Tszyu. Well, if he isn't ready at this juncture, he never will be.
Matt Roberts/No Limit Boxing
“I think that was a statement. There’s no battle with America. That’s the land I want to conquer. That’s where the big one is coming next. I want Charlo on my resume," he stated. "So, get it in here and let’s dance in October. I’ve overcome a lot of adversity, so it was about pushing through. I didn’t think it would be this quick. I feel like a pit bull and there’s no stopping me. The big one is Charlo so get your tickets. We’re coming back with four belts.”
N'AWLINS
Defending WBC junior welterweight titlist, Regis Prograis, didn't have nearly the same type of success versus Danielito Zorrilla, who was content to play spoiler for much of the night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, in what was a rather uneventful 12 rounder.
When the cards were read, it was Prograis winning via split decision (117-110, 118-109 and 113-114).
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Sports
It was one of those outings for Prograis where you 'win tonight, look good in the next one'. Yeah, you could argue that Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) didn't do a great job of cutting off the ring, and closing the gap. But Zorrilla is a loose-limbed puncher with whom you just can't throw caution to the wind against. That was evident in the first round as Prograis ran into a right hand and was sent to the canvas. This should've been ruled a knockdown by Ray Corona, but was not.
But keep this in mind, when Teofimo Lopez struggled mightily versus the difficult and awkward Sandor Martin in December, many wrote him off as an elite junior welterweight.
We'll soon find out if what took place this weekend was slippage, or just a really bad style(and night) for Prograis.
FINAL FLURRIES
The fact that Golden Boy Promotions and Ryan Garcia are now in a legal battle is no real surprise to anyone in the industry...Shakhram Giyasov won a wide 12-round decision over Harold Calderon on the Prograis undercard. While the undefeated Ramla Ali was upset by Alejandra Guzman, who knocked her out in the eighth round...Have the football preview magazines come out, yet? Yeah, I still buy them...I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
