Tim won’t take easy road to title shot

TIM Tszyu will take the ultimate gamble by fighting Dennis Hogan before his world title shot.

Tszyu and Hogan have signed to fight each other on March 31, with the venue to be decided between the Gold Coast, Sydney and Newcastle.

Hogan has fought for world titles three times, falling short each time in what were his only defeats in a 32-fight career. He and Tszyu are regarded as Australia’s top superwelterweight boxers.

Tszyu (pictured) could have opted to stay out of the ring until his WBO world title fight is confirmed, after champion Patrick Teixeira defends his belt against Brian Castano on February 13 in California.

Tszyu could also have taken an easier, keepbusy fight against a lesser rival.

“I don’t see it like others do, for me this is not a big gamble,” Tszyu said.

“When I go to fight for that world title, I’m going there to win it, not to be a participant and just compete, so this fight against Dennis Hogan is the perfect preparation. Every fight for me is a big step up, every fight is a must-win fight.”

Tszyu was set to fight for the WBO title next month because Teixeira could not get out of Brazil because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The sanctioning body indicated that Teixeira, who has not fought since winning the belt in November 2019, would be stripped of the title, with Tszyu and Castano to face off for the belt, and the winner would defend it immediately against Teixeira.

However, Teixeira was able to get a visa to the US at the last minute, allowing him to defend his belt against Castano, forcing Tszyu to wait for his shot.