Tim Tszyu departed Sydney on Monday morning, embarking on a trip which he hopes will culminate in him being crowned undisputed super-welterweight world champion.
Tszyu takes on Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas on January 29 (Jan. 28 in the US), aiming to achieve the same feat his legendary father Kostya managed when he stopped Zab Judah to become the sole titleholder at super-lightweight back in 2001.
The next stage of Tszyu’s preparation, which has already taken him on two separate training camps to Thailand, will see him based in Los Angeles.
There he’ll be sparring top level opponents, including the man he defeated on his US debut back in March, former Olympian Terrell Gausha.
“There’s a little bit of nerves but it’s just kill or be killed right now,” Tszyu told reporters at Sydney Airport.
“I’m going hunting, it’s hunting season.
“I’ve got a big task ahead of me and there’s no denying that, but I’m no stranger to this.
“I accept any challenge and this is the biggest challenge there is out there right now.
“It’s going to be a big moment in Australian sporting history.
“I understand everything that’s been involved, everything I’m putting on the line, this is why I’m leaving so much earlier.
“This is why I’ve been busting my arse in the gym the last four months, non-stop. This is all in.”
Charlo, 32, will go into the bout as favourite, having compiled a formidable 35-1-1 record.
The only blips on the American’s record, a loss to Tony Harrison and a draw with Brian Castano, were both avenged by knockout
Tszyu however believes Charlo is overlooking him.
“They don’t rate us. I’m here to shock the world in spectacular fashion and I’ve got all the tools to do that, I really do,” Tszyu said.
“It’s easy to see from the outside but, when you get in the ring with me, it’s a whole different nightmare.
“Once we get in the ring, we’ll settle it all.”
Tszyu himself has a blemish-free 21-0 record, having cut a swathe through the domestic scene before turning his attention overseas.
The 28-year-old reflected on his motivation with all the belts on the line.
“Once I defeated Jeff Horn, it sort of became boring. I started getting bored,” Tszyu said.
“The fact is, I’m lit up right now. I’m ready to go.
“It’s Vegas, it’s the four belts, it’s the glory, this is everything I’ve ever worked for right now.”
