TSZYU INSPIRED TO HELP RITCHIE FAMILY
TIM Tszyu’s camp is already in secret negotiations with Jeff Horn to stage a showdown in March next year.
But Tszyu must first defeat Jack Brubaker tomorrow night, Horn must beat Michael Zerafa on December 18 and both must be afforded the best luck and health the unforgiving sport of boxing can muster.
Tszyu’s last opponent, Dwight Ritchie, was given no such pass. While sparring Zerafa last month, preparing him for the rematch against Horn, Ritchie collapsed in the ring and died, leaving behind a partner and three children.
So before Tszyu steps into the ring against Brubaker at Darling Harbour’s ICC Exhibition Centre, an auction will be held and all proceeds put aside for Ritchie’s family.
“When tragic events like this happen it’s very hard for a family, especially when it’s so unexpected,” Tszyu said.
“If we can help out in any way it’s a must for us. What I liked about Dwight was he was real old school – he didn’t have to talk anything up and I’m the same.
“For two months we were both on each other’s minds at all times. We both gave it our all, I gave him a tough fight, he gave me a tough fight. A bond like that, not many people know that feeling.
“There’s a risk in anything you do ... you’ve got to respect this sport because it can hurt you and hurt the people around you.”
Tszyu (14-0, 10KO) is a heavy favourite to defeat Brubaker (16-2-2, 8KO) in their super welterweight clash – a result that would propel him into the world title equation.
But it’s understood the favoured option is to have a lucrative fight against the winner of the Horn-Zerafa bout before pursuing a title. Brubaker plans to trash all of those plans. “A win here against Tim ... sets up the rematch,” he said. “We signed a rematch clause – that’s more money and opens up doors for more sponsorship.”