Jeff Horn And Tim Tszyu To Clash In Front Of 16,000 Fans

Boxing may be back, but on Wednesday, August 26, it will finally be back in front of a crowd, albeit in the southern hemisphere.

The news was confirmed at a press conference today for the all-Australian clash between former WBO world welterweight champion Jeff Horn (20-2-1, 13KO) and rising star Tim Tszyu (15-0, 11 KO). The pair’s 10-round super welterweight contest will be held in Horn’s home state of Queensland, Australia, and will accommodate up to 16,000 fans.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has meant boxing’s recent return has occurred behind closed doors. So, while it has been great seeing names like Shakur Stevenson throwing leather, it would be fair to say that the studio setting does not lend itself to generating much of an atmosphere.Thankfully the Australian state of Queensland has been successful in combating the virus and while other states such as Victoria are still experiencing lockdowns, closed borders between the states mean we can expect to see a rowdy and raucous crowd when Horn and Tszuy—son of the legendary Koysta Tszuy— square off.

The heat between the pair has been bubbling for a few months now, and after today, it is starting to look like boxing may have its first bout with that ‘big fight’ feeling on its hands since the pandemic struck.

“The only reason why this fight is being made is because his last name is Tszyu. His father is an absolute legend; we wouldn’t be fighting him if his last name wasn’t his dad’s name,” Horn said.

“They’re very serious and very cocky in the way they think they’re going to win this fight nice and easy. Tim has never fought the opposition I have. He’s got relatively little experience in that manner.”

For the past few years, Horn has been the golden boy of Australian boxing with his star-making moment coming in 2017 when he defeated Manny Pacquiao on points and captured the Filipino’s WBO welterweight title. Horn later lost that belt to Terrance Crawford via a ninth-round TKO. Horn may no longer hold a world title, but he is still a step up in competition for Tszyu, who at 25-years-old has yet to face any fighters in the same league as some of Horn’s recent opponents.

“”I’ve fought world champions, Hall of Famers, legends like Manny Pacquiao. I’ve fought Terence Crawford. I might not have got that victory, but you learn so much [more] from your losses than from your wins,” Horn commented.

For his part, Tszuy knows that a victory over Horn will ensure his name starts being included when people discuss future world title contenders. The WBO, WBA, and IBF all have the Sydney-native ranked in their top 15, and this fight represents his chance to step into the big leagues.

‘”Nothing in my life matters besides boxing. When you put that in perspective, it means training three or four times a day,” Tszyu said.

“I made a little gym in my garage and I was able to learn things, and stick in my garage for hours and hours on end, trying to perfect my craft. I actually became obsessed, it’s a sickness, and I’m going to win.”

So far, no undercard bouts have been confirmed. However the WBO’s No.8 cruiserweight, New Zealand’s David Light, is expected to compete.

Are you excited about seeing boxing with a live audience again?