SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia’s Tim Tszyu has focused on a world title picture on home ground after the WBO Global and IBF Australasian pre-welterweight belts won by Bowyn Morgan’s first-round strike in front of fans 11,820 at Western Sydney Stadium.
Brutally beating Tszyu on Morgan of New Zealand within two minutes late Wednesday brought his record to 17-0 with 13 hits and the player a step closer to matching Kostya’s father, who was born in New Zealand. Russia, as a world champion.
Problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic mean Tszyu could fight for a WBO world title early next year against Brian Castano of Argentina and the Sydneysider was clear of intentions.
“I’m made by Australia. I want the Mexicans, the Americans, the high-end boys,” Tszyu told reporters.
“I’m getting more mature. I’ve just been 26, I haven’t even reached my peak. I have another three or four years before I reach my peak.
“That’s why I want the best experience, to fight against the best cheaters right now.”
WBO’s super-welterweight world belt is held by Patrick Teixeira but he was given a Jan. 6 date to defend a mandatory title against Castano or lose the title.
Brazil is unlikely to meet the date due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, clearing the way for the Castano-Tszyu title fight early next year.
Tszyu said he would be happy to travel abroad but would prefer to fight in Sydney, where sporting events are held in large numbers because of the country ‘s success with the new coronavirus being there.
“You can fight in front of anyone in America or fight here in front of a large crowd,” Tszyu said.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, edited by Peter Rutherford)