Tszyu, Gallen headline historic boxing bouts at Bankwest Stadium
Tim Tszyu will feature in the first Sydney stadium fight since 2006 in a promotion that will also headline Paul Gallen taking on former UFC star Mark Hunt.
The undefeated Tszyu will take on New Zealand fighter Bowyn Morgan in a historic double-header at Bankwest Stadium on December 16. It is the first co-main event ever held in Australia and the first Sydney stadium fight since Anthony Mundine first fought Danny Green in 2006.
More than two decades after his father claimed the IBF world super lightweight title at Parramatta Stadium against Hugo Pineda, Tszyu jnr will get the chance to also make his mark at the redeveloped venue.
“It’s incredible to be in this position to put on one of the biggest live sporting events in Australia after the year we’ve all had,” said the CEO of No Limit Boxing, George Rose.
“Hats off to everyone, especially the New South Wales Government, for the way in which they have managed the response to the pandemic, because the reality is without it, we wouldn’t be here today announcing this exciting event for punters to enjoy the week before Christmas.
“As for the Sydney Super Fight itself, what’s not to love!?
“I expect it to not only be the biggest crowd for a fight in Australia this year, but also the biggest audience - full stop.
“Why wouldn’t it be? You’ve got the undisputed star of Australian boxing in Tim taking on the best from New Zealand in Morgan.
“Then there’s the two legends, two absolute sporting icons in Gal and Mark. Everyone knows there’s no love lost between these two.”
The card will see Tszyu return to the ring for the first time since his clinical disposal of Jeff Horn in Townsville in August. He will take on Morgan, who hasn’t tasted defeat since 2016 and has knocked out his past three opponents. Morgan is rated New Zealand's No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter behind Joseph Parker and is ranked in the IBF’s Top 15 welterweights. He lost the chance to move into the top 10 when COVID-19 robbed him of a hometown fight against Japanese-based American Charles Bellamy.
Gallen’s undefeated record will go on the line against Hunt after the coronavirus outbreak put paid to plans to fight in April. It will be the former Cronulla captain’s first fight since a controversial draw with Barry Hall in Melbourne last year. Hunt, meanwhile, has a reputation as one of the UFC’s hardest hitters.
Tim Tszyu's last fight was against Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn in Townsville in August.Credit:Getty
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, welcomed the event, estimated to deliver more than $1 million to the visitor economy, as another major win for Western Sydney and NSW.
“Sydney Super Fight joins an impressive list of major sporting events that have been secured for our state through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW,” Ayres said.
“With Sydneysider Tim Tszyu, son of Australian boxing legend Kostya Tszyu, in the ring against the Kiwi champion, this will be a contest that boxing fans won’t want to miss, and I have no doubt Sydney Super Fight will be a sellout.
“Major events like Sydney Super Fight are key to the recovery of our state and we look forward to welcoming the contestants, officials, support staff and their fans to Western Sydney for another big night on the NSW sporting calendar.”
Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.