Much more than a son of a gun, Tim Tszyu says he's just getting started after earning his first world title shot with a brutal first-round knockout of Bowyn Morgan.
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Tszyu floored the New Zealander twice in the opening two minutes to retain his WBO Global and IBF Australasian Super Welterweight title on Wednesday night.
Fast forging his own great career, the son of the legendary Kostya Tszyu is now within reach of his own world title after extending his unbeaten record to 17 fights, including 13 KOs.
The victory means Tszyu could now fight Argentina's Brian Castano for a world title early next year if current champion Patrick Teixeira isn't able to meet Castano before January 6.
COVID-19 has complicated that timeline with Teixeira unable to travel from Brazil, and Tszyu is in line to fight Castano for the belt instead - potentially in Australia - early next year.
A crowd of 11,820 was on hand for Sydney's first stadium fight since Anthony Mundine fought Danny Green in 2006.
Among the sporting celebrities ringside were AFL superstar Dustin Martin, NRL players Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Jack Wighton and Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.
And Tszyu didn't let them down.
The 26-year-old dominated former world champion Jeff Horn in Townsville four months ago in what was a changing-of-the-guard moment in Australian boxing.
Now he craves more.
"I was just getting started," Tszyu said of his short-lived encounter with Morgan, who entered with a 21-1 record.
"You guys know what's next - that's the world title here in Sydney, in Australia and let's do it 10 times the size of this.
"Australia deserves this, it's part of history and I'm Aussie born.
"For my Russian fans also, utmost respect to you guys - this is for everyone."
Tszyu was confronted by compatriot Michael Zerafa after the fight about a potential match-up, but waved him away and told reporters later it was time to look beyond Australia for his next target.
Asked who was next, Tszyu said: "That's the thing, now the list (of potential fighters) goes on.
"For me, I only want one thing and that's the world title strap here in Australia.
"Thank you to all of you, my fans, I f...ing love you all!" he said, borrowing a line from another former Australian world champion Jeff Fenech, who was also fittingly ringside at Bankwest Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
