Tim Tszyu delivered another dazzling display in Newcastle. Picture: @boxing_social via Twitter
Tim Tszyu rubber-stamped his status as the best boxer in Australia with a dominant fifth round stoppage victory over Dennis Hogan on Wednesday night.
Controlling the fight from start to finish, Tszyu delivered an almost flawless performance against his opponent, outclassing the battle-hardened Hogan in what was his best outing as a professional to date.
The undefeated 26-year-old showed no fear for the majority of the bout, eventually knocking down his veteran opponent in the fifth round before Hogan’s team threw in the towel not long after.
The win was Tszyu’s 18th straight success since turning professional back in 2016.
Tszyu pointed out in his post-fight interview that he beat Hogan quicker than current World Boxing Council World Middle Title holder Jermall Charlo’s seventh round stoppage back in 2019.
“Look, the calibre of my opponent Dennis Hogan, two time world title challenger, and to get him out quicker than Charlo, that’s not a bad achievement.”
The only blemish on Tszyu was a nasty cut near his left eye courtesy of a clash of heads early in the bout, but 26-year-old said it didn’t bother him as the fight progressed.
“Nah … because as I said before I was going to take him to the deeper rounds and let him sink,” Tszyu said.
“I’ve told you before this is not tic tac, we’re not ballerinas dancing around, we’re punching each other and I’m going to do some serious damage and hurt my opponents.
“I respect them outside the ring but look, in the ring, this is my kingdom.”
The win leaves Tszyu (18-0, 14KO) as the WBO No.1 challenger, but he will likely have to bide his time with Brian Castano is negotiating with team Charlo for a unification fight for all the super-welterweight belts.
There’s every chance Tszyu could face the winner of that potential bout.
Before leaving the ring, Tszyu had one final message for anyone believing he wasn’t ready for the main event.
“What can I say? I’m going to keep proving you wrong.”
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