CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Australian boxing now has it’s very own Mayweather Family, as the prodigal son Tim Tszyu emerges as the interim WBO super welterweight world champion – in a hometown victory that comes 28 years after his father Kostya knocked out Jake Rodriguez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Tim was only two months old when his old man captured his maiden world title the IBF super-lightweight, but as he proved to the entire planet last night – he’s not a baby anymore.
Last night ‘The Soul Taker’ flogged American Tony Harrison via a technical knockout in the 9th round, in front of a packed homebush stadium full of screaming fans.
The Australian prodigy was already well ahead on points, before giving the referee no option but to stop the fight after a brutal finishing combo.
This latest win finally secures Timmy a fight with his long-awaited opponent Jermell Charlo later this year, after several years of cat-and-mousing between the American rival’s injuries and closed borders during the pandemic.
With Timmy’s younger brother Nikita fighting on the undercard, and a crowd full of their Russian-Australian relatives, last night was a family affair shared between both the Tszyu dynasty and the rising stars of boxing promotion, the Rose boys from No Limit.
And the renaissance of Aussie boxing is being felt in suburban households right around Australia today, as the sleeping armchair experts finally wake up to the fact that we might have a once-in-a-generation fighter on our hands.
In Betoota Ponds this morning, 83-year-old former golden gloves turned diesel mechanic, Glenn Cavallucci has finally connected the dots between Timmy and Kostya.
“Ohhh right… Thought that name sounded familiar” said Glenn, after asking his grandson about all this commotion he’s been seeing on the news.
“I saw the confetti and thought this must be a big deal. But you’re telling me he’s Kostya’s boy”
“That all makes sense”
This newfound context now gives Glenn permission to explain boxing to his grandson, who is young and soft.
“You wouldn’t remember Kostya would ya. Nah. Bit before your time. Actually now that you say it, I’m seeing a lot of Kostya in the boys fighting style” says Pop, in reference to a 15 second highlight package he saw on the ABC news last night.
