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Kostya warns: Tszyu ain’t seen nothing yet

Gavin Browne
25/ 5/2005

IBF light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu has warned Ricky Hatton that he faces a large step up in class when the pair meet next weekend.

Twenty-four hours after arriving from Australia, the 'Thunder from Down Under' made it clear he believed he would end their fight still on top of the world.

He claimed that one of Hatton's strengths - his work rate - could also prove his downfall.

Tszyu said: "He throws many punches which is an advantage and a disadvantage, because when you are throwing the punches you are open to mistakes.

"Every time he throws a punch he will open some holes which is good for me.

"He's open for a right hand but I'm sure he will know that which is probably why he will try to cover.

"The longer the fight goes, he will make mistakes - I won't go for wild shots, for me it's about split seconds. When he opens up, I'll find a hole."

The 35-year-old said he had watched every Hatton fight for the past five years to try and learn what the Hitman could offer.

However, for those who think his age may count against him, Tszyu said he was better now than he was a decade ago.

Tszyu warned: "One thing I can tell you is that Kostya Tszyu at 35 would beat Kostya Tszyu at 25 - I'd destroy myself as a 25-year-old."