‘When not if he wins world titles’: Glimpses of Kostya in ‘killer’ Tszyu win that proves he’s ‘real deal’

Shawn Porter, like many in the boxing world, was waiting to see whether Australian star Tim Tszyu was ready to pass his biggest boxing test yet.

On Sunday, Tszyu passed in emphatic fashion with one of the most clinical performances of his burgeoning career yet.

Tszyu sent a brutal warning to the boxing world – especially American Jermell Charlo – in a dominant win over Tony Harrison, dictating most, if not all, of the fight before claiming a ninth-round stoppage win.

“It is real. It is all real. The doubters have been destroyed. This is truly Tim Tszyu’s show,” Main Event’s Ben Damon said in commentary.

“There are no more question marks, there can be no more doubters. Tim Tzsyu has just broken down and stopped the former world champion – the man who beat the man.

“What will Jermell Charlo be thinking watching this?”

After Harrison briefly looked like he was going to get back in the contest, Tszyu destroyed the American in the ninth round, landing a flurry of brutal shots to drop Harrison. After a quick assessment of Harrison by the referee, the Aussie was declared the winner.

“The most consistent question I’ve got since I’ve been here is: ‘Is Tim Tszyu ready yet?’ I say you never know until you know – and you won’t know until that time comes. We just found out,” Porter said on Main Event seconds after Tszyu’s win.

“Those eyes – vicious right there. This is vicious punching. That’s what you need if you’re Tim Tszyu.

“The message tonight is: ‘I (Tszyu) am vicious and I am ready.’”

Former welterweight champion Porter was particularly impressed by Tszyu’s precision during the fight.

“Tim not only does he not take his eyes off his opponent, he looks exactly where he wants to go,” Porter said.

“He’s not just throwing blind, which is what makes him so special at this point of his career.”

Aussie boxing legend Jeff Fenech lauded Tszyu’s “amazing performance”, noting how “calculated” it was.

“Tim’s energy is so good. It’s at the same speed every round,” Fenech told Main Event post-fight.

“Nothing changed. He took a few punches and jabs, but his rhythm never changed and his velocity of punches never changed and his power never changed, which is incredible for a guy like Tim.”

Fox Sports commentator Paul Kent added: “Tony Harrison was a dangerous opponent, but I think he (Tszyu) dominated the fight. A couple of close rounds, but by and large he dominated, he dictated and nearly all the fight was fought on his terms.

“He doesn’t have the power like his father (Kostya) had, but he’s such a precise puncher and he lands so many. He sat back here (in the ninth round), he was patient and he just picked Harrison off and when he had him hurt, those uppercuts – he knew that was the way to get the fight over and he just stayed on it.

Asked if Sunday’s fight was about proving to the boxing world and his doubters that he belonged at the elite level, Tszyu said post-fight: “Nah man. This (the fans) is what it’s all about. Every single one of you … every single one that’s every purchased pay per view, that’s come here, that’s supported boxing in general. I did it for all of you brothers and sisters.

“I was smart. I knew he had a jab, so I had to be smart about it because the competitor that I had in front of me, he’s the man that beat The Man. Which means I just beat the man, who beat The Man. What does that make me?”

Asked for his assessment on Tszyu’s potential, a humbled Harrison said: “The better man won tonight. He’s going to go on and bigger and better things.

“Tim, congratulations my boy.”