The future of boxing in St George and the Sutherland Shire is in strong – and dangerous – hands.
The star trio of George Kambosos Junior, Jack Brubaker and Tim Tszyu all have promising recent results behind them and either have – or are chasing – big fights on the horizon.
Tszyu has just been added to the undercard for the World Boxing Organisation heavyweight championship title fight between Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury in New Zealand on May 6. The 22-year-old will fight Samoan-born Ivana Siau in just his fourth professional bout.
Tszyu defeated Ben Nelson in his latest fight at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters earlier this month.
Tszyu, from Rockdale, will see one familiar face in New Zealand with Sylvania fighter Kambosos also on the bill.
Kambosos will fight Qamil Balla before Australia’s No.1 lightweight backs up to fight Franklin Mamani in Sydney on June 10.
It has also been an exciting time for Brubaker, with the Cronulla pugilist successfully mounting the third defence of his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation welterweight title against Filipino southpaw Mark Sales.
It now has Brubaker chasing a fight with Jeff Horn – though he will have to wait until Horn fights Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on July 2.
The trio have sparred together and train locally. And they have all share the same dream – to chase a world title.
Brubaker said Tszyu, who fought on the undercard for Brubaker’s win over Sales, had the potential to go a long way in the sport.
“He’s good, he’s a big puncher,” he said.
“I know first hand from my recent fights I’ve been stopping a lot of opponents. I’m a big puncher but I could feel his strength [sparring against him].
“He’s got good skills and obviously has got a good pedigree of boxing from his dad.”
Tszyu’s father, Kostya, is a legend of Australian boxing. A two-time light welterweight world champion and a man who unified the light welterweight division between 2001 and 2003, the first boxer to achieve the feat in 30 years.
Kambosos, with a professional record of 11-0 with six knockouts and ranked No.9 in the World Boxing Council, had a huge confidence boost with his win over highly-fancied Perth fighter Brandon Ogilvie in December.
“It was the first time I copped a really bad cut,” he said.
“It was about keeping myself composed, breaking him down round by round. He’s a hungry competitor, all credit to him. I had to box smart, pick my shots and wear him down. I put a lot of pressure on myself in the lead up.”
