Next fight for Aussie, challenge from Charles Conwell, sparring partner

Tony Harrison’s sparring partner has boldly declared he will be the next man for Tim Tszyu after the Australian lost his World Cup blockbuster – with the undefeated prodigy declaring he is “already a much better fighter”.

Despite finishing in the top four in three of the divisions Jermell Charlo currently reigns in, 25-year-old Charles Conwell has kept a low profile with the Team Harrison entourage since arriving Down Under.

As first announced by Fox Sports Australia a week ago, Harrison has capitalized on the burgeoning prospect extensively in this camp – and even this week – as the former world champion seeks to clinch the interim WBO super welterweight title.

See unbeaten Australian superstar Tim Tszyu return to the ring for his biggest fight yet against former US World Champion Tony Harrison for a WBO interim super welterweight title LIVE on Sunday, March 12th

Conwell’s presence has also raised many eyebrows as it was Team Tszyu who had him on their own sparring list for an initial Charlo world title fight in November.

Speaking at open practice in Bondi on Thursday, however, the Cleveland native stressed he would never have accepted offers to defeat Tszyu, declaring the Sydneysider “a lesser contender”.

While confirming the rapprochement had taken place, the 2016 Olympian revealed he does indeed see himself as the next man for Australia’s boxing face once Harrison beats him on Sunday.

In the WBO rankings, Tszyu is ranked number 1, Harrison is number three, and Conwell is one spot down at number four.

Elsewhere, the young American is also No. 2 in the WBC and No. 4 in the IBF.

“So when Tony is done with Tszyu, he’s going to need another fight,” Conwell said.

“And if he wants to take on another American, try to get back up the ladder, I’m here.”

When asked if he actually used that trip to get a closer look at Tszyu in the flesh, Conwell (18-0) continued: “Of course man.

“You know, I’m someone who’s always looking at the landscape.

“And a Tim Tszyu fight will be a great opportunity for both of us.

“This fight will take place.”

When asked if he was initially approached to help Tszyu prepare for Charlo, Conwell confirmed the conversation but insists he never took the offer seriously.

“They wanted me to help Tim after my last fight,” he said.

“But I have cuts on my eyes.

“And to be honest, I never wanted to help them anyway.”

Why?

“Why should I spare him?” Conwell answered. “We’re on the same level.

“Actually, I think Tim Tszyu is a lesser fighter than me.

“He put himself in a good position and everything.

“We are also on an equal footing in terms of ranking.

“But I’m definitely a much better fighter.”

Conwell added the same goes for his close friend Harrison.

“He will use his superiority this Sunday,” he said.

“Use his experience, his ring generality, his elite-level boxing.”

Adding that he would never consider fighting Harrison, Conwell said: “Tony and I have been training together for a long time.

“Since 2015.

“Even before I turned pro.

“That’s why I don’t see him as a future opponent. I see him as a friend, as a brother.”

Speaking to the media after his training session, Tszyu doubled down on head coach Igor Goloubev’s recent claims that he was going to KO Harrison.

“I really think so,” he said of a KO finish.

“It’s not a matter of if it happens, it’s a matter of when.

“Honestly, I’ve never been so relaxed. So excited.

“It took 28 years to develop.

“It’s such a big event, such a big spectacle, but this is the stage I was born for.”

When Harrison was told he was running in the heat around noon, Tszyu laughed, “He’s probably getting used to what he’s going to do in the ring, which is run, run, run.

“But I won’t run.

“I will hunt.”

Speaking to Tszyu, Harrison branded the Aussie “stupid” while also implying he enjoyed the tale of his rival’s youth and pressures being too much for him.

“Meaning he walks in with a few reckless scrapes and gets caught,” he said.

So what about Team Tszyu’s claim that you’re getting knocked out?

“They’re supposed to believe in their horse,” Harrison shrugged. “That’s the guy they built.

“The guy they all want to get belts.

“But the first step is Tony Harrison.

“And if Tim thinks he’s going to come in and do what he did to the others, it’s going to be a sad day in Australia.”