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And this is how he did it ...
By Adrian Proszenko
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This was published 3 years ago
World title fight LIVE updates: Tim Tszyu knocks out Harrison, becomes a world champion
Great scenes
By Adrian Proszenko
Some great work from photographer Brook Mitchell today ...
What a day for the Tszyu family
By Adrian Proszenko
Nikita Tszyu kept his unbeaten record intact with a knockout win over Bo Belbin and then big brother made a statement to the world, becoming a world champion in the process.
The plan was initially to have Kostya Tszyu ringside; that hasn’t been the case since Tim’s professional debut. However, a family emergency put paid to those plans.
Perhaps it was better this way; Tim Tszyu has long stepped out of the shadow of his father, which he alluded to with his pointed and colourful remarks after the victory.
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A statement to the world
By Adrian Proszenko
Jermell Charlo was watching this. Tszyu predicted beforehand that Charlo will want to fast-track his move to a heavier weight division to avoid him.
You wouldn’t blame him.
Harrison was crafty, tucked in well behind his jab, but you always felt at some stage that Tszyu would find his range. All of Harrison’s defeats have come late in proceedings and that was the case again today as he suffered a technical knockout loss.
Australian fans have known how good Tszyu is, but he just announced himself on the world stage.
Behold fight fans, the interim WBO super-welterweight champion of the world, Tim Tszyu!
What’s my name???!!!
By Adrian Proszenko
These were the first words uttered by Tim Tszyu now that he is a world champion.
“Thank you Australia,” Tszyu said.
“What’s my mother-f–king name?”
This was a sledge at Harrison and Charlo, who have suggested Tszyu has been riding on the surname of his famous father Kostya. Not any more.
This was a commanding performance. I’ve just had a peak at the scorecards of the judges and they all had Tszyu ahead 77-75 before he unleashed those massive fight-ending right hands.
Round 9: It’s over! TSZYU KNOCKS HARRISON OUT!
By Adrian Proszenko
Tim Tszyu is a world champion! The Australian has been waiting patiently for an opening and he has just found it. The “Soul Taker” has unleashed a barrage of vicious right hands that would have levelled an elephant.
The American wasn’t able to tie up or run away from danger and Tszyu just kept landing rights. Uppercut. Uppercut. Uppercut. Bang. Bang. Bang.
The American tried to find his legs but the referee had seen enough.
Tim Tszyu, just like his father Kostya, is a world champion!
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Round 8
By Adrian Proszenko
The pace slowed in this round as both men tried to trade at close quarters. They were given an additional breather when Harrison slipped and it took about 20 seconds to wipe the sweat from the canvas.
I thought Harrison would be prepared to run more than has been the case, but he’s willing to stand and trade here. Hard round to score.
Round 7
By Adrian Proszenko
Harrison is working his way back into this. According to the broadcast coverage, he has landed more shots - 301-252 - although the more telling blows have come from Tszyu.
This is a much closer fight now, with Harrison potentially stealing that round.
Round 6
By Adrian Proszenko
Harrison has a habit of keeping his left hand low. It must be like a red-rag to Tszyu, who remains patient and is picking his moment.
It was a better round for the Detroit product, who was looking a touch unsteady just a few minutes ago. I’d like to see Tszyu work the body more instead of head-hunting all the time. Tszyu still ahead on my card at the halfway point.
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Round 5
By Adrian Proszenko
Tszyu complained of a low blow early in that round; it’s about as much trouble as Harrison has given him.
The Australian well in control here. He landed a beautiful straight-right midway through the fifth and you can see he is loading up that right hand, just waiting for the perfect opening. A nice combo from the Sydneysider with about 20 seconds left.
This has been a good performance so far from Tszyu.
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