Two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson has never been a huge fan of Tim Tszyu – but that all changed after his his latest world title triumph against Brian Mendoza on Sunday.
Before the fight the undefeated American said he thought Mendoza would beat the Aussie and that he hadn’t seen anything ‘too special’ from Tszyu – who he also tipped to get beaten by Tony Harrison.
‘I think Mendoza beats Tim Tszyu,’ Stevenson said at the time.
‘I’m not a big Tim Tszyu fan.
‘I really ain’t see nothing too special about Tim Tszyu.’
Shakur Stevenson has changed his tune on Tim Tszyu after the Aussie’s win on Sunday
Stevenson tipped Tszyu to get beaten, and now says he ‘was wrong’ about him
Tszyu went on to win his third fight in 2023 with a clinical beatdown of Mendoza on the Gold Coast – winning by unanimous decision in his first defence of the WBO super welterweight belt.
Stevenson was forced to take notice of the performance and took to social media to explain his new position on the Aussie champ.
‘I was wrong bout Tim Tszyu he looked better then I thought he was last night,’ Stevenson wrote on X.
Tszyu wasn’t the only boxing expert to comment on the Aussies emphatic victory on the Gold Coast.
Boxing reporter Mike Coppinger was full of praise for Tszyu, describing his power as ‘different’.
‘Strong performance from Tim Tszyu with the unanimous decision victory over Brian Mendoza (116-112, 116-111 and 117-111.) He’s must-see TV,’ Coppinger wrote on X.
‘Never takes a step backward. Methodical pressure. Impressive win over a very tough and game Brian Mendoza. Tszyu’s power is different.’
Hall of Fame boxing trainer Teddy Atlas was also impressed with the Aussie who he’d like to see fight rival Jermell Charlo.
Tszyu’s points decision victory over Mendoza on Sunday marks his third win of 2023
‘Have to like Tszyu, steady & consistent, and solid fundamentals,’ he wrote on X.
‘Tszyu is nothing fancy, very conventional and focused approach. Him & Charlo very interesting. Both good offensively,’ Atlas added afterwards.
Sports reporter Corbin Middlemas also took to social media to rave about Tszyu: ‘Not saying he’s it, but Tim Tszyu should be in the fighter of the year conversation. Instead of waiting for Charlo, risked it all against 3 top guys in the division and enhanced his reputation in each.’