Ebanie Bridges has praised Tim Tszyu for his ‘masterclass’ performance against Mexican Carlos Ocampo and says the Aussie has what it takes to shock undisputed world champion Jermell Charlo.
Tszyu’s display was a stern warning to undisputed world champion Jermell Charlo, whom he will fight before October 1 for the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF belts. Talking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Bridges was full of praise for Tszyu and backed him to become the undisputed champion by beating Charlo.
Tszyu needed less than a round to take out Ocampo with a brutal barrage of blows in a ferocious performance at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Sunday. In 77 seconds of mayhem, Tszyu first knocked down Ocampo with a huge right before finishing the South American with a brutal left hook.
‘It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Tim Tszyu,’ said Bridges. ‘I’ve always said he is the best boxer Australia has. ‘Another masterclass performance again, even after his bad dog bite attack he had couple weeks before the fight.
‘I grew up watching action movies and boxers. Kostya Tszyu was my hero. In my teens, I even dated a guy with a Kostya Tszyu haircut,’ she said. The Blonde Bomber hasn’t fought since her world title defence against Shannon O’Connell in December and recently announced she would be training under the tutelage of veteran boxing coach David Coldwell.
‘The USA in particular will continue to underestimate Tim, as they do all Aussies, but Tim is very different and like I’ve said before, he’s special. ‘Just like his dad, I see him making his own name for himself overseas and I believe he can beat Charlo and become world champion.
‘And like I’ve said to him, I look forward to watching him show everyone how the real-deal Aussies do it.’Like many Australians, Bridges admired Kostya Tszyu when she was growing up and even credits him for her love of the sport.
Coldwell, who has trained fighters like Tony Bellew and Derek Chisora, comes highly recommended. As for an opponent, Bridges doesn’t have one lined up but has expressed interest in taking on Aussie Avril Mathie – but only if it ‘makes sense’ financially.
‘I’m at that point in my career that I know I am the queen of the division and everyone wants me, so really, the ball is in my court … money talks so I’ll fight who I want, but I have to get paid right.
‘I got a mandatory out the way so I wouldn’t mind a voluntary coming back from my hand injury,’ she told Boxing Social. ‘Whatever makes sense to me, it’s got to make money.
‘Obviously [I want to fight] the champions but if not the champions, I’d like to fight Avril Mathie, I like the look of her, she’s tough… I think that would be a really exciting fight for the fans. Other than that, I’m not fussed.’
