"Tim Tszyu's Explosive Battle Plan: Will He Go for a Quick KO Against Brian Mendoza?"
Tim Tszyu, the WBO junior middleweight champion, is gearing up for a potential knockout spectacle in his upcoming main event fight against Brian Mendoza this Saturday in Queensland, Australia. Tszyu, with an impressive record of 23-0 and 17 knockouts, has hinted that his approach against Mendoza (22-3, 16 KOs) will depend on his mood that night – either a blitz or a more strategic boxing display. This highly anticipated match will be broadcast live on Showtime at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT in the U.S. Tszyu had been eagerly awaiting a title shot against the undisputed 154-lb champion Jermell Charlo, but Charlo opted for a lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez at 168, which was too tempting to resist. Tszyu was subsequently elevated to the WBO 154-lb champion and has now chosen to defend his title against what he perceives as the division's #2 contender, Mendoza. Tszyu's enthusiasm for big fights is evident, and he has even expressed a willingness to move up to 168 for a significant bout if the opportunity arises. However, the possibility of facing Canelo at 168 may be a long shot as Canelo is expected to continue focusing on fighters in his own weight class. Tszyu is open to taking on challenges from the likes of Terence Crawford and Errol Spence, should they decide to move to the 154-lb division. He plans to move up to 160 after 2024, which adds a sense of urgency to potential matchups. In terms of his fighting style, Tszyu is not just a brawler who moves forward; he considers himself a smart fighter, aware of his opponents' strengths and weaknesses. He acknowledges that a fight against someone like Crawford would be a tough and challenging battle due to Crawford's counter-punching abilities and high boxing IQ. With his past one-round demolition of Carlos Ocampo, Tszyu hopes that Mendoza will provide a more competitive match. If he secures a quick knockout victory over Mendoza, Tszyu's sights will be set on bigger challenges, marking the next chapter in his quest for legacy-defining bouts. In the lead-up to the Mendoza fight, Tszyu's mindset remains flexible. Whether he goes for the kill right away or employs a more cautious approach will depend on his instincts and mood on fight day. Tszyu's long-term vision includes making history and cementing his legacy in the sport, as he looks forward to a future filled with exciting and memorable battles.