US boxer Tony Harrison lands in Sydney for world title fight with Tim Tszyu and grumbles about his long flight: ‘We had to pull a camel, go kart and get on a bike’
- Tony Harrison arrives in Sydney for the world title fight
- The American says it’s “one step too far” for Tszyu
- Harrison will face Tim Jiu on March 12
Tony Harrison arrived for his world title fight with Tim Tszyu bleary-eyed and complaining about his long flight, suggesting he may never return Down Under due to the grueling journey.
Harrison and Tszyu will fight on March 12 for the interim WBO super-welterweight belt, with the winner facing Jermell Charlo later this year for undisputed honours.
Tszyu spent nine weeks in the US preparing for his scheduled showdown with Charlo on January 29 before the Christmas blockbuster was called off after the champion broke two bones in his left hand in training.
Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) is the only man to beat Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) and says he doesn’t need more to acclimate and prepare for Chiu (21-0, 15 KO).
“All I need is a ring. I don’t need time. I just need a ring,” the 32-year-old from Detroit said Tuesday.
Tony Harrison arrived for his world title fight with Tim Tszyu bleary-eyed and complaining about his long flight, suggesting he may never return Down Under due to the grueling journey
Harrison and Tszyu will fight on March 12 for the interim WBO super-welterweight belt, with the winner facing Jermell Charlo later this year for undisputed honors
But he may need some sleep before his mission after admitting he wasn’t expecting such a brutal flight.
“It was tough, man. It was a rough flight. We had to pull, ride a camel, ride a go-kart, ride a bike,” Harrison said.
“No one expected me to be here, but I am here.
“I’ve never (been to Australia before) and I probably won’t go back. This flight is too long.”
Despite his exhaustion, Harrison promised to be in top form for Tszyu in the fight at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
“I feel amazing. Tim caught me at the right time – wrong time for him, right time for me,” she said.
“For Tim, he knows I’m one step too far.”
While Harrison said he was “looking for hostility” from Australian fans hoping the 29-year-old Sydneysider will emulate his father Kostya and become a world champion, the flashy American believes he will only receive love and support.
Despite his exhaustion, Harrison vowed to be in top form for Tszyu come fight time at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena
Harrison (left) says it’s a “step too far” for Australians
Despite previously dismissing Tszyu as little more than a ‘park fighter’, underneath the front Harrison isn’t underestimating his undefeated opponent
“Listen to me – if they love Tim, they’re going to love me,” Harrison said.
“I’m the complete opposite of Tim. I am lively. I have a lot of humility. If they like me, they will love me.’
Despite previously dismissing Tszyu as little more than a “park fighter”, underneath the front Harrison isn’t underestimating his undefeated opponent.
“I’m not overlooking Tim. I talk my s**t but Tim is a tough competitor so I’m looking forward to a tough, tough fight,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to 12 good rounds – or less – but I’ve been training for a long time.
“I know I have a tough competitor in front of me who fights in front of his fans, his family and the crowd.
“One step at a time for me, but come March 12, you’ll all wake up.”