Tim Tszyu impressively stops Tony Harrison, Charlo next?

Tim Tszyu fought like a man who wanted respect. Compared to his father, former two-time junior welterweight champion Kostya throughout his career, Tszyu wanted to prove to Tony Harrison and the boxing community that he’s a good fighter.

Mission accomplished.

Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) stopped former junior middleweight champion Harrison in round nine at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia last night. Favored throughout the weeks leading up to the fight, several experts picked Harrison (29-4-1, 21 KOs) to defeat Tszyu.

In the early going, Harrison’s jab paid dividends. He stabbed Tszyu repeatedly in the face and belly. Working behind a high guard, Tszyu patiently applied moderate pressure - landing a couple of sharp uppercuts and right crosses.

Upping the ante in round three, Tszyu rocked Harrison into the ropes with a big right hand. Harrison, who has been stopped three times in his career, fought back.

Harrison’s jab continued to be on point, but the younger and stronger Tszyu worked up and down, connecting with many blows. Harrison was wilting, while Tszyu was growing more confident.

The end came in round nine. Two huge right hands wobbled Harrison to the ropes. Tszyu teed him up - landing a barrage of punches until Harrison collapsed.

Harrison pulled himself up on weak legs, prompting the referee to pull the plug.

The time was 2:43 of round nine.

“We will always have respect for each other, but tonight I proved I was the better fighter,” said Tszyu  “The way my career has unfolded has been step by step, all the way to the top. That’s my mentality as a fighter. When I’m presented an opportunity like Charlo, of course I’m going to take that.”

Tszyu was asked what could be next.

“The message was sent clearly. You know what’s next. You know I’m coming.”

Jermell Charlo is aware.