Boxing fans wondered when Tim Tszyu would make the trek from his native Australia to start fighting in the United States. That time was on Saturday when Tszyu met fellow junior middleweight Terrell Gausha from The Armory in Minneapolis.
It nearly became the worst possible result for Tszyu as Gausha dropped him in the first round. But Tszyu picked himself up and put on a clinic, dominating the remainder of the fight to win by unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 114-113). DAZN News had the fight scored 118-109 for Tszyu.
“It was good to face adversity for the first time, and I was able to come back," Tszyu said in his post-fight interview. "I dug deep, and all respect to my opponent, he’s a hell of a warrior and a true gentleman. It was a flash knockdown, perfect timing. He’s a former Olympian, he’s got great credentials. That’s a great lesson for myself. I got back up and I dug deep.”
In the opening round, Gausha connected on a flush right hand to send Tszyu to the canvas for the second time in his career. However, after Tszyu rose to his feet and dusted himself off, the Australian gained momentum at the end of the round and never looked back.
Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) continuously walked Gausha down and backed him into the ropes. From that position, Tszyu did whatever he wanted. He would throw combinations to the body or upstairs, dig the body, throw power shots to the body or head. Gausha, a 2012 Olympian, couldn't overcome the onslaught and proved to be no match for the 27-year-old.
The victory keeps Tszyu as the top contender by the WBO and in a prime position to face the winner of the rematch of the undisputed title fight on May 14 between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano.
Here is what happened at Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha.