Tszyu’s US rival Tony Harrison arrives in Australia, reveals ‘long haul’ plans for title blockbuster

US star Tony Harrison has touched down in Australia, beaming with confidence but full of respect and caution for the challenge at hand when he takes on Tim Tszyu in Sydney next month.

The 32-year-old joked he had to “catch a camel, go-kart and get on a bike” to get to Australia and suggested he won’t ever return after this trip due to the gruelling flight.

But he still presented in a chirpy, upbeat mood — and in fine physical shape — as he posed for photos and spoke with reporters upon arrival at Sydney airport early on Tuesday morning.

“I feel amazing,” Harrison told reporters. “Tim has caught me at the right time. Wrong time for him, right time for me.”

Detroit native Harrison is the only man to have beaten current super welterweight division champion Jermell Charlo. Tszyu’s planned title fight with Charlo in January fell through, allowing Harrison to step up to challenge for the interim WBO title — and the American has repeatedly warned the Australian has bitten off more than he can chew in a dismissive assessment of his career to date.

Still, Harrison revealed on Tuesday he was not underestimating the unbeaten Tsyzu, nor expecting a straightforward fight with the carrot of another rematch with Charlo looming should he win.

“The first task at hand is Tim and I’m not overlooking Tim,” Harrison said.

“I talk my s*** but Tim is a tough competitor so I’m looking forward to a rough and tough fight.

“I’m looking forward to 12 good rounds, or shorter, but I’ve trained for the long haul and I know that I’ve got a tough competitor in front of me, fighting in front of his fans and family and crowd, so it’s step at a time.

“But come March 12 you’re all in for a rude awakening.”

The likeable and charismatic Harrison is likely to make for some entertaining build-up to the fight and he’s welcoming and hostile treatment that awaits for Aussie fans.

“I’m looking for the hostility,” he said. “I’m ready for the hostility to be honest.

“... but listen to me, if they love Tim they’re going to love me, they have no choice but to love me if they love Tim because I am the total opposite of Tim. I’m vibrant and have a lot of humility. He’s quiet. If they like him, they are going to love me.”