Australian boxing phenom Tim Tszyu will headline one of the biggest boxing cards in Australian history, as he takes on the confident American Tony Harrison, this Sunday, the 12th of March at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
Fight Card:
Tim Tszyu (21-0) vs Tony Harrison (29-3-1)
Tszyu will have the whole of Australia behind him as he faces former WBC junior middleweight champion Tony Harrison for the interim WBO interim 154-lb title.
Tszyu was originally scheduled to face Jermell Charlo for the undisputed title before Charlo injured his hand in training, giving a chance for the former champ Harrison to take his place.
Harrison will have the reach advantage (4.5”) whereas Tim Tszyu is the more powerful fighter, finishing 15 of his 21 fights by KO.
Plenty of questions have been raised from Harrison’s camp about the quality of Tszyu’s opponents, believing that he has never fought anyone on the level of Harrison, a claim which actually has substance. His only win over an American fighter coming in his last bout against Terrell Gausha, winning by unanimous decision after being knocked down in Rd 1.
Expect Harrison to stay away from Tszyu early in the fight, utilising his jab from a distance. The longer the fight goes on, the more it will favour the Australian, who will look to get inside and use his superior speed and power.
Prediction: Tszyu – KO (RD 10)
Paulo Aokuso (3-0) vs. Yunieski Gonzalez (21-5)
Former Australian Olympian, Aokusu, has made an excellent start to his professional boxing career, winning all 3 fights via knockout. A natural talent at nearly every sport, Aokuso looks like the next big thing in boxing.
Although coming off a loss, Gonzalez is an excellent boxer with an extensive amateur record behind him (345-27).
This is Aokuso’s biggest test to date against the experienced Cuban, with the IBO inter-continental light-heavyweight title on the line.
Prediction: Aokuso – KO (RD 3)
Sam Goodman (13-0) vs TJ Doheny (23-3)
The undefeated Australian in Goodman will have a tough fight on his hands as he matches up with the former world champion and Irish veteran Doheny. The pair will be facing off for the IBF inter-continental and WBO oriental titles at 122lbs on Sunday.
Whenever Goodman fights, expect atmosphere and plenty of action. His supporters, aptly named the ‘Mad Bunch’, are some of the loudest boxing fans anywhere in the world.
The 36-year-old Irishmen will be Goodman’s biggest test to date, but I expect the up-and-coming Australian to have his hand raised at the end.
Prediction: Goodman – UD
Issac Hardman (13-1) vs Rohan Murdock (26-2)
What a fight this is going to be. If both fighters are left standing at the end of the 10 rounds, I’ll be extremely surprised.
Hardman is fresh off delivering one of the most brutal knockouts you will ever see in boxing against Beau Hartas. His only loss coming against fellow Australian and rival of Tim Tszyu, Michael Zerafa.
Although coming in as the underdog, Murdock the powerfully built Queenslander will be full of confidence, with his last two wins coming by way of knockout.
Prediction – Hardman – KO (RD 3)
Nikita Tszyu (4-0) vs Bo Belbin (7-0)
For the first time ever, the Tszyu brothers will be fighting on the same card. Nikita will not have an easy fight however, coming up against the undefeated Tasmanian, Bo Belbin.
The hype around the younger Tszyu brother is off the charts at the moment, with the Southpaw winning 3 of his 4 fights via KO.
Prediction – Tszyu – KO (RD 2)
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
When: Sunday 12th March
How to watch:
Prelims: Foxtel – Ch 503 / Kayo
Main Card: Main Event / Kayo (PPV)
