Keith Thurman: Victory over Tim Tszyu is perfect statement
American two-division world champion Keith Thurman faces Australiaâs reigning WBO junior middleweight king Tim Tszyu live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 31 (AEDT). The pair goes head to head in the 12-round bout at 155-pound catchweight.
Once-beaten Keith Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) last fought in February 2022, when he scored a unanimous decision against Mario Barrios. In June 2019, the native of Clearwater, Florida dropped a split decision against Manny Pacquiao. Making his ring return, the 35-year-old looks to make a statement.
âWhen I got the phone call to fight Tszyu, it just woke up the warrior in me,â Keith Thurman said at the virtual pre-fight press conference. âI have so much to gain in this fight. Thatâs what this fight is all about.â
âThis is gonna be a beautiful night of boxing. This is a stacked night with so many great fighters getting in the ring together. Itâs a throwback card.â
âTszyu is trying to make this his era, but Iâve done great things in boxing. Iâm coming to make a big splash against this Aussie shark and take him into deep waters on March 30.â
âThis is gonna be a great fight. Thatâs what the fans want. Weâre two imperfect, perfect fighters stepping into the ring. We both have our own styles that make this fight so intriguing.â
âWhen youâre at a certain caliber, you donât think about the risk in a fight because of your confidence. I had other fights I could have taken, but I feel like a victory over Tim Tszyu, with all the work heâs put in to build his name, is the perfect statement.â
âTim has a very unique style with the way he throws his right hand. Heâs gonna be knocking at the door all fight trying to have the highlight of the night, so weâre paying attention to that.â
âIâve been working very hard for a very tough fight in my career. Just like I have for every other world-class fighter that Iâve faced. My whole team knows we have the skills to win this fight.â
âItâs my job to turn this into my story on March 30. I want to represent my greatness in the ring and show what Iâve done in the world of boxing.â
Tim Tszyu: I couldnât wait for Jermell Charlo
Undefeated Tim Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) makes his second ring appearance in the U.S. Going through the ropes for the first time in Las Vegas, Sydneyâs 29-year-old is confident in his victory.
âItâs been a big dream of mine to be fighting on this stage, on this platform and Iâm going to make the most of every opportunity thatâs given,â Tim Tszyu said. âThis is my time, this is my moment and this is my era. This is the passing of the torch. I canât wait to get in there.â
âThe way Iâm feeling right now, I feel like a train thatâs about to steamroll everyone. Itâs not just Keith. No disrespect to him, but Iâm ready to go through everyone.â
âWhen you get in the ring, it doesnât matter where you are. Boxing is universal. Itâs just you and your opponent. It doesnât matter if everyone hates you, or loves you, itâs just about the two of us.â
âThereâs always gonna be doubt in the minds of some of the public. I like that people are taking sides. That makes the fight more interesting. Itâs all part of boxing. Because all the questions will be answered on fight night.â
âIf youâre not dreaming about the big stage in boxing, then youâre not in the right sport. If you make it here in Las Vegas, you make it worldwide. Itâs quite simple. My dreams are through the roof and Iâm chasing them.â
âI had to keep taking tough fights last year or I wasnât going to make it to this stage. I couldnât wait for Jermell Charlo. I wanted to prove to everyone in the division that I am the man. Itâs all about being the man at 154-pounds.â
In the co-feature to Thurman vs Tszyu, WBA super lightweight champion Rolando Romero defends his title against Isaac Cruz. Also on the card, WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara defends his belt against Michael Zerafa. In addition, Sebastian Fundora and Serhii Bohachuk battle it out for the vacant WBC super welterweight title.
Parviz Iskenderov
Parviz Iskenderov is a former Muay Thai fighter, sports manager and editor at FIGHTMAG.
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