Jeff Fenech, who was yesterday confirmed as the new trainer of Tim Tszyu, today spoke of his belief that his charge can one day become Australia’s greatest ever fighter.
What might be brushed off as hyperbole from anyone else, the fiercely determined Fenech – a former three-weight champion and one of his nation’s finest fighters in history – has long been a friend and admirer of Tszyu and didn’t flinch when declaring the 31-year-old could surpass even his own achievements.
There would appear to be no formal contract between the pair, however.
“I can see that he’s grown up and I’ve always seen what I believe he’s missing out on,” Fenech told Fox Sports. “I’ve told him that, if in two weeks he doesn’t think what we’re doing is right, my door is open. I don’t do these contracts, I’m not about that. This is not for money, it’s not for fame or fortune, it’s to help someone who I believe can be Australia’s greatest fighter. If I can help him get to that platform, I would be so, so happy.
“We all talk about the things that’s he’s done but without Tim, there would be no Australian boxing for the last couple of years,” Fenech continued about the former junior middleweight titlist. “We should all be proud of him.”
Tsyzu’s career went off the rails, after previously motoring along the right track, when he was upset over 12 rounds – a fight in which Tszyu was badly cut in the early going – by Sebastian Fundora two years ago. He’s lost twice since – including a rematch to Fundora. He's won two since, albeit against overmatched opposition, and next up is likely to be the comebacking Errol Spence Jnr.
Fenech, when asked what he’ll do to improve Tszyu’s fortunes, was bullish in his response.
“I’m gonna be Jeff Fenech,” he said. “If I was in his corner when he got his head cut [in the first Sebastian Fundora fight] he’d still be world champion today. I do believe Tim Tszyu, trained properly and with the right gameplan, could beat Fundora today.”
It won’t be easy, however.
My hardest challenge will be to get Tim right, mentally… I’m gonna be there for him, like father and son. If someone needs to argue with Tim, they won’t need to, they’ll need to argue with me. All I want Tim to do is train and fight.”
