Tim Tszyu slams rugby players, influencers infiltrating boxing
'The Soul Taker's' comments come three days before his must-win rematch with Sebastian Fundora, and a mere hours after Paul Gallen's win over Sonny Bill Williams in Sydney.
Tszyu is in the co-main event of a card to be headlined by the great Manny Pacquiao, and features a cast of fighters the Australian considers 'old school'.
It's a far cry from ex-footy players stepping into the ring for a quick payday.
It's also a long way removed from the artificial hype around former Disney star turned YouTuber Jake Paul, who has made a boxing career out of fighting washed up UFC fighters.
Jake Paul (R) beat Julio Cesar Chavez. Picture: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
'It's good that this fight isn't influenced by influencers,' Tszyu said after completing his open workout in front of a huge crowd at the MGM Grand.
'It's influenced by proper boxers, and this is the Mecca.
'This is such a big boxing event, for pure boxers as well.
'There's eyeballs everywhere.'
Asked to confirm whether he was talking about Jake Paul, who most recently scored an uninspiring decision win over faded former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Tszyu quipped.
'Yeah, and rugby players,' he told CODE Sports. 'No need for the rugby players.'
Paul Gallen did enough to beat Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Ayush Kumar/EurasiaAfter a decade of waiting, Gallen outpointed Williams on Wednesday night in a controversial decision that may have settled their beef, but didn't live up to any great heights in terms of skill.
It was also widely panned for being contested over two-minute rounds, rather than the customary three minutes, despite each of the former Premiership winners banking an estimated $1 million.
Tszyu was fast asleep at his Las Vegas Air BnB when the bout went down and didn't watch.
'I couldn't even watch highlights of it,' he said. 'I didn't watch it.
'But, good on em, they had a go and made some money out of it.'
Tszyu worked out in front of a huge crowd at the MGM Grand. Picture: No Limit boxing
Tszyu battled through his last weight cut in April, which came off the back of his wedding to longtime partner Alex – who celebrated her birthday in Las Vegas on Wednesday – and an overdue holiday, Tszyu is right on weight as the fight approaches.
He's even been dining on an expensive high-protein dinner that he can't find in Australia.
'We've been getting this mad Chilean sea bass,' he said of the delicacy that can sell for a whopping $75 per kilogram. 'Apparently we don't have it at home, so I'm enjoying it.
'I'm right where I want to be, I'm not killing myself and I'm eating. I'm in a good position.
'Me and my chef, Omar, we've just been chilling at home. We've been playing backgammon, and it's my wife's birthday today, so happy birthday, Alex. Love you, baby!'
Brendan Bradford
Content producer
Brendan Bradford is a sports writer for CODE Sports. He primarily covers combat sports, league, union, cycling and athletics. Brendan has worked in sports media for a decade, covering world title fights, World Cups, Grand Slams and Spring Tours.
@1bbradfo
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