Terrell Gausha issued a warning to Tim Tszyu ahead of their fight in Minneapolis on Sunday, telling reporters he won’t back down to the Sydney fighter’s bullying tactics.
The two will clash in the Showtime main event at The Armory in Minnesota, which will be beamed around the globe, with Tszyu going into the fight as a heavy favourite against the American Olympian.
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Speaking at the official press conference for the bout this morning AEDT, Gausha said he felt dangerous and that Tszyu had bullied his other opponents because they were not accomplished fighters like him.
“”I’m a true junior middleweight, I’m not coming up from 147, I’ve been at this weight for a while so I feel like I’m strong and I’m not to be bullied,” Gausha said.
“I don’t take no s—.
“When I watch his fights, he brings the pressure — and that’s what he does. He doesn’t do too much that I haven’t seen before.
“I think I’m going to go out there and do some things he hasn’t seen before. I’m sure he’s been watching me, watching my fights, and I think he’s been watching the wrong thing, because it’s going to be a new thing.”
When the host of the media conference brought up comments made by Gausha earlier in the week, that Tszyu was just a “one-trick pony” and “not his father”, the American didn’t back down.
Tszyu, who will reportedly pocket more than $1 million for the fight, laughed in response.
“What can I say? I’ll show him, I guess. Actions speak louder than words.”
Tszyu’s steely focus has remained during his time in the US even though the Australian has been given the star treatment.
The undefeated Sydney fighter even knocked back courtside seats to an NBA game in the lead up to the fight according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Tszyu was invited to be the guest of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their clash with the Western conference-leading Phoenix Suns.
The seat reserved for Tszyu normally go for around $13,000 each, and is often where celebrities sit when they watch the game.
Tszyu politely knocked back the offer, due to concerns that exposure to the cold weather would be too big a risk following his camp in a hot and dry Las Vegas.
“I’m not here to just take part, I’m here to really take over and I believe it,” Tszyu said.
“It’s in my heart, in my destiny.
“I was born ready.
“I’ve got a big responsibility ahead of me, but I intend to take it with both hands.”
When is Tszyu vs. Gausha?
The fight will take place Sunday, March 27 in Australia – which is Saturday, March 26 in the US.
What time is Tszyu vs. Gausha?
The event is due to begin at 8pm local time which is 11am AEDT.
A three-fight card has been put together, featuring two ten-round bouts ahead of the 12-round main event.
How to watch Tszyu vs. Gausha in Australia?
The much-hyped US debut of the Aussie will be aired live on pay-per-view in Australia.
Foxtel’s Main Event will broadcast the fight, with coverage starting at 11am on March 27.
Tszyu vs. Gausha live stream
Aussie fans without Foxtel can still purchase the fight through streaming service Kayo.
Odds
Head to head:
Tszyu $1.11, Gausha $6
Tale of the Tape
Tim Tszyu
Nationality: Australia
Date of Birth: November 2, 1994
Height: 174cm
Reach: 72″
Total Fights: 20
Record: 20-0 (15 KOs)
Terrell Gausha
Nationality: United States of America
Date of Birth: September 9, 1987
Height: 178cm
Reach: 73.5″
Total Fights: 25
Record: 22-2-1 (11 KOs)
Tszyu vs. Gausha main card
Reported card -subject to change.
Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha, 12 rounds, super welterweight
Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, 10 rounds, lightweight
Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, 10 rounds, super lightweight
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