Tim Tszyu vs. Tony Harrison - Who wants it?

Details: On, March 12, 2023, from, Qudos Bank Arena, Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia: It’s Tim Konstantinovich Tszyu vs. Tony ‘Super Bad’ Harrison, Super Welterweights. WB0 (interim) World Super Welter fight. (Showtime in the USA.)

Background: I have no idea if this fight is between legit mandataries, or like much in boxing, was finagled and abetted by politics. I don’t really care – there is often no difference. The worst referee in boxing, Arthur, “head trauma” Mercante, Jr. always asks fighters before the last round (if there is one) “who wants this?”

In this case, it’s a legitimate question. Did fans want and ask for this, and will loyal Australian fight fans fill the arena? There’s a lot of affection around the Tszyu brand and name. As far as a viewing TV audience elsewhere? It’s not high on my list of must-sees, but if you have Showtime; hey, both fighters are skilled. It’s definitely worth watching.

Covid hurt Tim’s progress big time, because at 28 – you’ve read this before – he simply hasn’t fought enough. On his way up though, and to his credit – he fought a hell of a lot, every year. Trouble is, he left other sports for boxing at 15. Boxing, like a career as a concert pianist – or criminal, needs to start far earlier than this.

Australians yell ‘SUPERSTAR,’ because Aussie’s are loyal to homegrown product to the death. Outside of Australasia and in terms of achievements, Tszyu is no superstar.

In a very close fight, Tony Harrison beat Jermell Charlo– Fox’s Joe Goossen’s disgraceful, snide commentary to the contrary. Harrison was stopped by Charlo in the rematch – though at times he looked far the superior fighter. After that came Covid, and he’s only fought twice.

Fighters Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience.)

Tim Tszyu: B B B C+ B- B C+ Total: B- (2.8)

Tony Harrison: B B C- B C B- B+ Total: B- (2.7)

Tszyu, son of famed Kosta, is not of the caliber of the father; no surprise there. The inherited, odd, upright stance, like the father’s, shouldn’t work. It almost always did for the dad, and usually, it works for the son. It’s the very first thing you notice in any Tszyu fight. (I haven’t seen younger brother Nikita’s fights.)

Tim is outstanding at judging distance and like his dad, positions his stocky body so that it’s difficult for opponents to swing. This is a family trait – and surely not something you’ll see often- if ever. By far Tim’s favorite combination and the one he looks for is the old one-two. You’ll see it constantly, jab, followed by a very straight right – though not the unforgettable, freakishly straight right of his pop. Tim Tszyu also has a cool ‘up’ jab and even an ‘up’ hook; again, very unusual stuff. He throws my favorite punch for a right-hander, the left uppercut. It’s not too shabby.

Harrison, at 32, seems a bit removed from his athletic peak of around 2015, when he suffered one of three KO losses to Willie Nelson – not the singer. At that time, Harrison, who had a decent amateur background, looked like a great prospect. He retains some of that elite athleticism and looks for the jab to set up combinations. Harrison seems to fight on instinct – rather than a game plan. But as we all know, some fighters (Roy Jones) that seemed to have had no game plan, did, and vice-versa. Says here, Harrison fights on muscle memory. He has all the punches at his command – though I haven’t seen a lot of uppercuts. His boxing mastery flows from athleticism.

When you’ve been knocked out three times with long years between the knockouts, there’s a reason. Harrison’s chin isn’t that bad, but he has terrible lapses of concentration. Versus Charlo II, it’s almost as if he lost interest! Watch for it. It’s almost as if at certain points in a round, Harrison is content to do nothing and punch later. Not a good trait.

Here’s an outstanding study of styles. All rights retained/reserved by Boxing Gems Film Study. www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzzUZA8MGUc

I don’t agree with all of this channel’s conclusions, but very many, I do. A great place for fans who may not know the deep subtleties of our favorite sport, to dip a toe in and learn.

Fight and prediction: I’m going to break with a long tradition and chicken out – I’m entitled to do so once.  I’ll ask a guy who knows more, has seen more, and has written more, including outstanding books- Editor, John Raspanti. I’ll ask John to fill in the official, fearless prediction, below.

Editor: Tszyu ate several right hands in his last fight. One sent him to the canvas. He’ll be fighting at home – which is huge for obvious reasons. Harrison knows this is a make-or-break fight for him. Tszyu is likely hungrier. I give him a slight edge though Harrison can certainly win.

I will only say that on paper, Harrison has the ability to beat Tszyu – though Tszyu’s camp may very well have information that makes this bout a reasonable risk as he’s favored. So, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Tszyu, this is a make-or-break fight. 

Who wants it?