Avila Perspective, Chap. 271: Tim Tszyu in L.A. and More

LOS ANGELES-Australia’s Tim Tszyu brought the storm with him to Los Angeles and a slew of world title contenders and champions on Wednesday.

It was a congregation of warrior tribes at the Conga Room, eyeing each other with wariness.

Though Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) holds the WBO super welterweight title, it will not be up for grabs when he fights Keith Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 30. Three world title fights accompany the TGB Promotions card.

It’s also the opening salvo for Amazon’s entry into the boxing world. The mega company will be showing it via pay-per-view on its media platform. Assisting in an advisory capacity is Stephen Espinoza.

What an introduction.

Twenty-three years ago, Tszyu’s father Kostya Tszyu walked the same streets during his media press conference in 2001. The opponent was “Super” Zab Judah who at the time was undefeated and considered much too fast for the Australian.

During the press conference Kostya Tszyu was asked inane questions and quickly dead stared at the reporter and icily said “do not be rude to me.” That one statement alone described the seriousness and menace he possessed.

After that 2001 press conference, everyone headed from a downtown office toward the Olympic Auditorium. The fistic palace was still open as was the LA Boxing Club that harbored several boxing rings. That’s where Judah and Tszyu worked out for the media.

Both the boxing gym and auditorium no longer are associated with pugilism. Today it’s a Korean church.

At that time, Tim Tsyzu must have been around four years old.

Kostya Tszyu, a super lightweight, would go on to knock out Judah in two rounds at the MGM. I remember the shock from fans at the instant destruction inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. And how immobilized Judah became from a single punch. It wasn’t surprising to me. I had witnessed at press row his previous work against Jake Rodriguez, Leonardo Mas, and Sharmba Mitchell.

Now, here comes his son Tim Tsyzu, a super welterweight, bearing the same physical likeness but with a little more openness. Probably due to his mastery of English. His father, a Russian native who moved to Australia, still was uncomfortable with the language.

Tim was born in Australia and has become their champion.

It’s openly been Tim Tszyu’s dream to fight in America and this was his first major press conference held at the Conga Room in LA Live near Crypto.Com Arena.

“It’s an honor to be in this position. You only launch something like this once, and I want to launch it in spectacular fashion,” said Tim Tszyu.

The Aussie fighter promises to take on all challenges.

“I want the big fights,” said Tszyu. “I have a competitive spirit.”

Keith Thurman, the former welterweight world titlist who fights Tszyu, returns to the prize ring after a two-year absence. His last bout took place in 2022 against Mario Barrios at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. That same night another son of a boxing great Fernando Vargas Jr. fought and won.

It’s the next generation grabbing the reins. It’s their time.

Not according to Thurman.

“He’s a slow-footed fighter with a Mexican style. I’ll meet him in the middle of the ring. He’s gonna go home crying,” said Thurman to Tsyzu and the media gathered. “He might have signed the contract, but he doesn’t know what he just did. Bitter for you, but sweet for me!”

Watching the exchange of words by the two primary fighters, I could not help but remember the words mouthed 23 years ago.

Don’t be rude to me.

Will lightning strike again?

Title fights for Amazon card

Also, on the March 30 Las Vegas boxing card aired by Amazon.com on pay-per-view are:

Sebastian Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) meets Serhii Bohachuk (23-1, 23 KOs) for the vacant WBC super welterweight title. Both are aggressive fighters and the winner probably faces the winner between Tim Tszyu and Keith Thurman. It’s a rocket-fueled contest that will end in a knockout.

Erislandy Lara (29-3-3, 17 KOs) defends the WBA middleweight title against Australia’s Michael Zerafa (31-4, 19 KOs). The Cuba smooth southpaw faces a fighter with experience against former world champions. Will it matter.

Rolly Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) defends the WBA super lightweight title against Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs). Both are powerful and determined to bust their way into the elite. It’s a battle that could easily headline any card. Both are gung ho.

Phoenix Revisited

Jaime Munguia’s journey continues like a train gathering more railroad cars of experience.

His calculated destruction of England’s talented John Ryder showed yet more subtle skills added from new coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym. The slight touches seemed to cause confusion for Ryder and allowed Munguia to be more fluid with his movements.

Munguia of 2024 is a complete overhaul of Munguia 2018 who burst on the scene with a sensational knockout over Sadam Ali for the WBO super welterweight title. At that time the Mexican fighter was a green and unpolished puncher. Today, he’s evasive with more defensive skills and experience against any style.

It used to be painful to watch Munguia. Now, it’s a joy.

Photo credit: Al Applerose