Shawn Porter has given Tim Tszyu a brutal reality check after the Australian’s dominant victory over Brian Mendoza.
Tszyu, 28, provided a 12-round beatdown of his title challenger on Sunday, with the super welterweight now setting his sights on the bright lights of the United States for his future bouts.
He has a plethora of options at his disposal, with the likes of pound-for-pound greats Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez mentioned as possible opponents.
But former world champion Porter has urged Tszyu to stay away from those big names for the moment.
‘That Tim Tszyu does not beat Terence Crawford,’ he said. ‘He needs more defence and a little more footwork. Those are intangibles you’ve just got to have against Terence Crawford,’ Porter said.
Shawn Porter has sent Tim Tszyu a warning following his victory on Sunday
The 28-year-old provided a 12-round beatdown of Brian Mendoza on the Gold Coast
‘And he’s not on Canelo’s radar, so we don’t really need to talk about that fight. But (with Canelo fighting) at 168 (pounds) … if Tim goes up to 168 he’s going to lack the power and strength needed to fend off a Canelo for 12 consecutive rounds.
‘But outside of that though, you guys have got a real champion here.’
Porter praised Tszyu for his humble attitude, despite his status as a world champion.
‘People always say never change … he just seems to be calm, cool and collected all the time. Even after a big win,’ Porter said.
‘He fought lights out. I felt like outside of one round it was a shutout. Even with that, he’s still humble. Not too overly excited – and still looking forward to what the future has for him.’
But Porter has warned Tszyu to avoid the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford
Tszyu is adamant he wants the biggest fights despite Porter’s reservations, and welcomed the challenge when questioned after his big win.
‘If you don’t want fights like those (against Alvarez and Crawford) you’re in the wrong sport,’ Tsyzu said.
‘So of course, I’d grab them with both ands (if offered the chance).’