Tim Tszyu did not come to the United States to visit. As he put it, “I’m here to really take over.”
Hall of Famer’s son Kostya Tszyu and top middleweight contender faces 2012 Olympic athlete Terrell Gausha on Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis (Showtime), his US debut.
A win could lead directly to his first chance to fight for a major world title.
“This is a buzz for me. I’m very excited,” Tszyu said Thursday in his final pre-match press conference. “We did amazing things in Australia and sold out in one day. But I needed to go to America because this is what I’ve been watching all my growing up life. To finally experience it is unbelievable. This is what I live for.
“I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m here to be really receptive. I believe in what I can do. That is what is in my heart and in my destiny. ”
Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) has become a craze in his native Australia because of his name and a string of dominant performances, including knockouts from fellow countrymen Jeff Horn and Dennis. Hogan and a The decision is coming to an end for Takeshi Inoue in his most recent battle.
Now it’s time to show what he can do to the next level.
“Gausha has the credentials,” said Tszyu. “He fought the best in the division. Having to fight someone like that gives me a chance to prove to everyone who I really am. Terrell’s name popped up before my last game and we happily accepted it right away.
“At this level, there is no such thing as an easy fight. You have to fight anyone and everyone.”
Tszyu is ranked No. 1 by the WBO. The elder of that sanctioning body is Brian Castano, who is scheduled to take on Jermell Charlo for the undisputed £154 championship on May 14.
If Tszyu wins on Saturday, he will be at the front of the line to fight the winner or take the empty title if the winner gains weight or gives up the belt for other reasons.
That’s why Tszyu is here, to be the world champion. He knew he had to do it in a foreign country. And that’s fine with him.
“Things feel different about this situation but the job is the same and so is the ring,” he said. “I came here to show everything in the ring. Actions speak louder than words.”
Meanwhile, the fight was also pivotal for Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs). At 34, he may not have much of a chance against a hot opponent on the big stage.
He knew a win would be an important step towards realizing his own dream of winning a world major.
“This match could cement my place for that world title,” Gausha said. “Tszyu has a lot of support behind him, he is young and he has a great record. That’s exactly what I’m up against.
“I feel like I’m just a different kind of opponent than anything he’s ever faced. I trained a man to live under pressure. But we’ll see how it works for him on Saturday.”
