Tszyu vs Mazoudier - 5 Reasons To See It Live
5 min
Tszyu vs Mazoudier - 5 Reasons To See It Live
1. The next big Sydney derby
Australian boxing loves regional rivalries, but nothing hits like a local derby. East versus west, red versus blue, Tszyu versus Mazoudier.
Our headliner on August 28 could be the last time a local rival steps up to face the Tszyu family. A proud western Sydney product, Koen Mazoudier could climb to the top of the super welterweights if he can upset a fast-rising Nikita Tszyu.
Former world number nine Mazoudier will challenge the unbeaten Tszyu (9-0), his former state amateur teammate, for a pair of IBF and WBO affiliated regional titles, and more importantly, bragging rights in Sydney.
The fight is Nikita's first step outside domestic level and towards the world scene, having relinquished his Australian super welterweight crown.
Ahead of the biggest night of his career, Mazoudier (12-3-1) makes his second appearance under the guidance of Team Goodman, having joined forces with the mandatory challenger at super bantamweight and his highly regarded trainer, Joel Keegan.
2. First official hit-out for Zerafa/Rushton combo
The boxing landscape was turned on its head when Michael Zerafa and Glenn Rushton unveiled their unlikely partnership last month in Brisbane.
Former opponents, sworn enemies, and now a revered fighter/advisor pair, Zerafa and Rushton will make their debut as a partnership in the co-headliner, where they'll meet former two-time world champion and resurgent fan favourite Tommy Browne.
Browne, an incredible two-decade professional, has spent the majority of his training camp abroad, basing himself out of Thailand with respected world champion trainer Tommy Mercuri, mapping out their tailor-made plan for Zerafa.
The Victorian could be next in line to face Tszyu, but will need to overcome the determined challenge of Browne, who has left no stone unturned in his preparation.
3. Wallace-Pampellone and the best light heavyweight in Australasia
Conor Wallace and Jerome Pampellone have long been seen as the Oceanic cream of the crop at light heavyweight.
Given their fast trajectory and separate reigns as regional titleholders, their paths seemed unlikely to cross. This will change in a matter of days, as Wallace (13-1) and Pampellone (18-1) risk their world ratings for a chance at an elusive world title opportunity in the lucrative light heavyweight sweepstakes.
A relocated Irishman that now calls Brisbane home, the southpaw Wallace has swept through the domestic scene, while also avenging his only professional blemish. Meanwhile, the Auckland-based Pampellone looks to return to winning form, after being edged in his world title eliminator against Malik Zinad on the Tszyu-Creati card in April.
With an accumulative highlight-reel to savour, it's unlikely we'll be seeing the judges scorecards in this one.
4. Young Gun on the Rise
At just 21 years old, Jazzy Parr is a young gun on the rise, rapidly making her mark in the world of boxing.
The Gold Coast prospect is not only a second-generation fighter, and the daughter of Muay Thai world champions John Wayne Parr and Angela Rivera, but also a dual sportsperson in her own right.
While Jazzy honors her family’s legacy, she is also focused on cementing her own name in the sport, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
5. Return to ICC Sydney Theatre
Many formative nights in the history of No Limit have taken place inside the four walls of the ICC Sydney Theatre.
From the early days of Tim Tszyu's world title run, to the final farewell of Paul Gallen, the showpiece waterfront venue is often associated with many marquee nights on the Australian boxing calendar.
Its latest addition will be the star-studded Tszyu-Mazoudier card, seen by many pundits as the best event in Australian boxing to take place this calendar year with a mouth-watering super welterweight headliner, and a card that's almost impossible to split on paper.