Tim Tszyu needs to be careful against Steve Spark. That’s the warning from Jeff Fenech, a former world champion and arguably Australia’s greatest-ever fighter. Tszyu, the son of legendary boxer Kostya, faces Spark this Wednesday following the withdrawal of Michael Zerafa.
The original contest was set to be a huge event for Australian boxing, but a Covid-19 outbreak in Melbourne was a concern to Zerafa. Despite assurances that the bout was safe to take place, the former opponent of Peter Quillin and Kell Brook pulled out.
That decision from Zerafa had the show organizers scrambling to find a late replacement, and Spark answered their prayers. Although a substitute for Zerafa, Spark has been in the gym, Fenech believes he’s a tough assignment for the highly-touted Tszyu.
“This is a fight Tim has to be wary of,” said Fenech when interviewed by Sporting News. “You’ve got to be so careful with these guys who believe in themselves, can punch and will just step in and take on anyone.
“It’ll be tougher than what Zerafa would’ve been. If he’s been training, it’ll be a much tougher fight. This is a fight Tim’s really got to be careful of. Don’t think it’s just a fill-in. He’s got to think twice as hard for it. It’s a whole different thing a week before a fight.
“He’s got to watch Stevie Spark and give him respect. He can punch, and he’s not scared to fight anyone. They’re the ones you’ve got to be scared of. He’s gonna go in saying, ‘I’m either gonna knock you out, or I’m getting knocked out.’”