WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu 24-0 (17) has doubled down on comments he previously made calling many of his contemporaries “pussies”.
The 29-year-old Australian is coming off a stellar year in 2023 when he fought three times and claimed his first world title while many of his rivals have been comparatively inactive.
At the press conference two weeks ago to announce his fight against former WBC and WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman 30-1 (22) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 30, Tszyu labelled many of the best fighters in and around his weight class “pussies”.
He says there has been no blow back following his comments.
“Man, no one’s said anything to me because no one can argue it,” Tszyu told Fox Sports Australia. “It isn’t like this is something I’m making up. Or something I’m just saying to build a fight. It’s fact.
“Obviously, I know the closer you get to fighting elite guys, the fewer fights you can make. I get that. But we’ve also got guys now who disappear on honeymoons. They have no drive. Don’t stay active. There are a lot of fighters that comment was directed at.
“[Jermell] Charlo is one of them. Errol Spence Jr a bit too. Although at least he is trying to make big fights. Then you’ve got Keith Thurman, he’s another one… I mean, where is his drive?
“These guys make a few bucks, get some attention and everything changes. They aren’t as hungry anymore. But me, I’m never content. Never satisfied. Which isn’t exactly the best thing in life, either… Because you never switch off.
“I can’t go on holiday and relax. I just can’t. Same as I cannot commit to things like weddings or engagement parties. When you have a drive like mine, you can’t do any of these things because you’re always chasing that next goal. And that definitely has its own challenges.”
Tszyu was scheduled to face former undisputed 154-pound champion Charlo 35-2-1 (19) a year ago before the 33-year-old American withdrew due to a fractured hand.
Charlo went on to jump up two weight classes to challenge undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 60-2-2 (39) in September, losing a wide unanimous decision but picking up a career-high payday against the Mexican superstar.
Tszyu does not believe we will ever see Charlo in the prize ring again.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “I actually think Charlo’s had a breakdown. A mental breakdown. Doing drugs and alcohol, that doesn’t help. Or letting things out on your partner. That’s why I won’t jump on the bloke too much right now, he’s going through a hell of a time.”
Tszyu added that the only way we would see Charlo box again is if: “His money runs out. If that happens, maybe he’s back because clearly it’s all about money for him. Not legacy. But there is unfinished business between us so he does need to sort his shit out.”
One boxer that does impress Tszyu is welterweight champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford 40-0 (31), despite the 36-year-old American southpaw only boxing once per year for the past four years.
“There have been talks between us,” Tszyu said. “And I give Crawford all respect. He’ll fight anyone. And that’s why I see him as such a great challenge. But I also see him as being beatable. But there’s a lot going on. It could be Crawford, Errol Spence, whichever one is easiest to make. That’s why this upcoming fight means so much… I win and the possibilities are endless.”