THE RISING SON

Promising prospect Tszyu continues his education against Vassell

THE son of Hall of Famer and ex-unified world superlightweight titlist Kostya Tszyu is in action at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney, Australia this Friday (February 8). Opposing local Tim Tszyu [below] in a super-welterweight 10-rounder on this No Limit Boxing Promotions event is Manchester’s Denton Vassell, 25-5 (11).

Following a relatively short spell in the unpaid ranks, Tszyu turned pro just over two years ago. He has won all 11 of his bouts so far, including nine inside time. However, he is yet to meet anyone of Vassell’s standing in the sport. An ABA champion as an amateur, the visitor ruled as Commonwealth welterweight chief from April 2010 to June 2013, and has mixed with a variety of respected rivals, such as Lee Purdy (w ud 12), Frankie Gavin (l rsf 7), Sam Eggington (l rsf 8) and Kerman Lejarraga (l rsf 4). Now 34 years old – a decade older than Tszyu – he has seen better days, as evidenced by his second-round retirement loss at Area level to the inconsistent Evaldas Korsakas in June.

Vassell is game, athletic and physical, but with four of his five defeats having coming by way of stoppage, a young, hungry, fresh and powerful opponent like Tszyu is the last thing he needs at this stage. The Australian is by no means the finished article – he suffered a knockdown in his seventh pro fight – but his stiff jab, fast hands and measured menace will prove too much for Vassell to handle. The pick is for Tszyu to force the referee’s intervention near the halfway mark.