Mundine backs Tszyu to pass dad

Anthony Mundine believes Tim Tszyu’s courage to “take chances” has given him a shot at surpassing his legendary father in the ring.

“The Man” believes Tszyu will stop Keith Thurman when the 29-year-old meets the American in Las Vegas on March 31.

But that’s a small step toward being considered in the rarefied air of his “one-of-akind” father Kostya Tszyu, Mundine says, although Tim’s willingness to fight the best gives him a shot.

“Tim’s doing very well and he’s got a good fight against Thurman but Thurman’s been inactive, though, and I think he should beat him because of that and the size,” Mundine said.

“I reckon he’ll break him down and stop him late.

“In order to beat dad he’s got to fight the top guys like (Terence) Bud Crawford but he’s willing to fight all those guys, he’s talked about even fighting Canelo (Alvarez).

“That’s where he’s going to cement his legacy.”

Once he deals with 35-yearold Thurman – who hasn’t thrown a punch in anger in two years and goes up in weight – Tszyu, undefeated in 24 fights, is on a collision course with Crawford, the current unified welterweight champion.

Mundine, a multiple-time world champion across a 21year career where he was one of world boxing’s biggest drawcards, said he still keeps a close eye on the sport, taking great joy in seeing the likes of George Kambosos and Jai Opetaia thrive.

“I mean, I was there when they were young pups.

“They all wanted to be ‘The Man’ and now they’re making their own statements and they’re being ‘The Man’ they wanted to be back in the day.

“I keep up with the boys and like to see them having success.”