AUSTRALIAN boxing legend Jeff Fenech is tipping Tim Tszyu to become a better fighter than his father.
Kostya Tszyu nicknamed ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ is universally recognised as one of the greatest super-lightweights of all-time. Thirty-one wins from thirty-three contests included his spectacular two-round demolition against Zab Judah in 2001. The Russian born boxer was a formidable and unshakable foe with a right hand that turned lights out.
His son Tim who spent years shaking the tag of ‘Kostya’s son’ is now nearing the biggest fight of his career against super-welterweight ruler Jermell Charlo. Tszyu must first take care of business against Carlos Ocampo this weekend in Queensland.
Speaking to News Corp, Fenech said: “Kostya was one of our greats but with all respect to Kostya, he was a great puncher, but apart from the power punch, I think Tim has got everything his dad has and more.
“Tim is getting better and better, and, for me, he is the total package.
“It’s a big statement to say Tim can be better than Kostya, but he will certainly forge and create his own legacy and it won’t be because he is Kostya’s boy, that’s for sure.”
The unbeaten Tszyu has not had the smoothest of build-ups to his 23rd fight after a dog attack which he required surgery for and a car break-in at his house.
“That’s gotta be the dumbest criminal in Sydney,” said the fighter’s manager Glen Jennings.
“Who goes to Tim Tszyu’s house, breaks into his Mercedes and thinks they can get away with it?”
Another win this weekend should be the final piece of activity for Tszyu before facing Charlo in America. The champion has been ordered by the WBO to face his Australian challenger by September 30.
“Ocampo is a dangerous fighter and it’s the perfect build-up for Charlo,” Fenech said.
“Tim’s strength is that he fights like a Mexican, he punches more than anyone else and that’s why he will win this fight.”
