Tim Tszyu and Keith Thurman war of words begins
Tim Tszyu and Keith Thurman are among the fighters appearing on the first-ever boxing card on Amazon Prime Video and they have already served up some entertainment in a heated exchange at the press conference.
Former two-time world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman has been out of action for some time. His last fight was a unanimous points win over Mario Barrios in 2022 following a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2019.
Tim Tszyu, meanwhile, is a rising star and reining world champion who beat Brian Mendoza in October last year to lift his WBO world super welterweight title.
In a clip shared on X from the press conference, the pair can already be seen to be going at it, with Thurman opening up the war of words.
“I love the stage, the action, main event. Unfortunately, the title will not be on the line but his pride will be and that’s good enough for me.”
Tszyu was less cordial.
“You bring that energy man, I want that energy coming into the fight. Because mark my words, I will knock you out in under 12 rounds.”
That riled Thurman.
“You can try man, you can try, but you gunna get more than this energy, you’re gunna get these hands up in your face.”
Tszyu continued to taunt the American.
“You’re gunna be running and I’m gunna be catching you like a gazelle.”
Thurman ramped up the trash talk once more in response.
“I didn’t know flat-footed Mexicans were born in Australia.”
Tszyu took issue with the call out of his style and told Thurman not to run.
“I’ve got Mexican style but it’s one of the greatest in the world so don’t be disrespecting it. Don’t be running.”
Thurman then became fully animated and begged for the fight to happen now.
“I haven’t lost to no flat footed, slow Mexicans. Please let me beat you up, can I punch you in the face, please? I’ll be right there I won’t be hard to find.”
The last word went to Tszyu.
“Beautiful, that’s what I want.”