Tim Tszyu’s fight team have been shocked to learn a hyped American prospect they handpicked to help with WBO championship preparations has suddenly turned up in Sydney – and in the entourage of rival Tony Harrison.
In a shock twist to Tszyu’s world title blockbuster on March 12, Fox Sports Australia can reveal undefeated Detroit native Charles Conwell has arrived Down Under as a surprise, and unannounced, part of Team Harrison.
Back in October, and shortly before heading Stateside for his own fight camp, Team Tszyu believed they had secured the services of Conwell (18-0) for sparring.
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Tszyu and Harrison face-off! | 00:38
The American was chosen because of a style that not only sees him undefeated in 18 fights, or ranked top five in three divisions, but hailed by promoter Lou DiBella as “one of the best young fighters in the world”.
Conwell has also bravely fought back after almost quitting the sport four years ago, when a knockout win over Patrick Day tragically resulted in the 27-year-old dying days later from brain trauma.
While the American was initially among a shortlist of Tszyu sparring partners, those workouts never eventuated during a nine-week camp in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Now the team knows ways.
Fox Sports Australia noticed Conwell with Harrison as he walked the red carpet for Tuesday night’s Sydney premier of Creed III – an event also attended by Tszyu.
So secretive was the 25-year-old’s arrival, Promoters No Limit were also unaware the 2016 Olympian would be in Sydney for the fight until he booked in with Harrison’s entourage at The Star.
While his presence has certainly surprised Team Tszyu, the new face of Australian fighting was himself unfazed when discussing the shock arrival after training on Wednesday.
Asked his thoughts on Conwell helping his rival prepare, Tszyu laughed: “I had no idea he was working with Harrison.
“It’s probably lucky we didn’t get him.”
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So what does Tszyu make of the undefeated fighter who, like Tszyu, is being talked up as a genuine Next Big Thing?
Especially given that in a division where American Jermell Charlo is the unified king, Conwell is himself ranked No.2 with the WBC, No.3 with the IBF and No.4 with the WBO.
“I’ve never seen him fight,” Tszyu shrugged.
Never?
“Nah, never seen him,” he said. “Wouldn’t have a clue how he fights.”
Team Tszyu has however, which is why 100 days out from his WBO blockbuster, Conwell was revealed as someone they planned to hire for sparring.
Asked about his own world title dreams recently, the 11-time national amateur champion said: “I’ll be breathing down the neck of Jermell Charlo by the end of this year.
“I’m confident I’ll be in a mandatory challenger position where he has no choice but to fight me.”
None of which worries Tszyu.
“Right now I’m just itching to fight,” he said.
“I’ve got a fire in my belly.
“I’m like a hungry lion that wants to eat. That’s how I feel … I’ve got an empty stomach and it’s time to eat.”
Asked if Harrison arriving less than two weeks out from the fight would be enough time for him to acclimatise, the Aussie shrugged: “That’s his problem.
“Maybe it will (be problematic), maybe not.
Tony Harrison touches down in Australia | 06:11
“Everyone’s body adapts differently. He could be ready now, you never know.
“As long as there are no excuses.
“That’s all I’m asking for.
“He’s said he’s in the best shape, says he’s the most motivated he’s ever been, that’s all that matters for me.”
Tszyu did reveal, however, that when Harrison came in for an attempted hug between the pair during their first meeting – and then staredown – at the Creed III premier “I could feel his bones”.
So he’s skinny?
“There’s plenty of bones to break,” Tszyu replied.
So as for what he then took from their staredown moments later?
“People ask what do you see in their eyes,” he says. “They’re just eyes at the end of the day.
“They blink.
“I don’t see much.”