CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Pre-match fanfare is well underway as undefeated Aussie boxing superstar Tim Tszyu returns to the ring to take on USA’s former world champion Tony Harrison for an Interim WBO Super Welterweight.
However, it seems that this week’s media events have resulted in some exceptionally low blows between the fighters.
As part of the build up to Sunday’s WBO championship bout at Qudos Bank Arena, Tszyu and Harrison sat with Main Event’s Ben Damon for the traditional fight week Face Off interview.
Throughout the 30 minutes of sledging, the super welterweights did their best to rattle eachother’s confidence – with the Detroit-based American continually referring to Tszyu as ‘Timothy’.
Tim Tszyu, the son of iconic Russian-Australian boxer Kostya, was born Timofei Konstantinovich Tszyu – and rightly took offence at Harrison anglicising his name for fun.
“Tim.” said Tim Tszyu
“Timothy” said Harrison.
“Tim” Tszyu replied again.
At which point, Harrison offered up yet another Timothy.
“That’s not my name,” said Tszyu, with a fierce look in his eyes.
“I told you, Timothy,” the American replied, poking the bear even more.
“That’s not my name, bro.” said Tim.
It was at this point that Tim Tszyu took a moment to compose himself, before firing shots back.
“I don’t think you wanna play games with names”
The crowd gathered let a theatrical ‘oooooh’ – before the beat dropped and Tim Tszyu began freestyle rapping, while waving his hand side to side, imploring the crowd to join him.
“Don’t ever try to judge me, dude
You don’t know what the fuck I’ve been through” spat Tszyu.
“But I know something about you
You went to Cranbrook, that’s a private school”
“What’s the matter, dawg? You embarrassed?
This guy’s a gangster? His real name’s Clarence”
“And Clarence lives at home with both parents
And Clarence’ parents have a real good marriage”
“This guy don’t wanna battle, he’s shook
‘Cause ain’t no such things as halfway crooks”
Tim Tszyu’s revelations about the Detroit hardman appeared to pierce his tough guy exterior, as the hysterical crowd joined Tszyu in chanting the humiliating line ‘ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks.
Embarrassed and with nothing to say in rebuttal, Harrison handed the microphone back to Ben Damon and exited the stage in a fluster.
