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<\/p>\nHe\u2019s the fighter who sold everything he owns, including a car, to compete alongside Tim Tszyu \u2014 and now suddenly looms as the first Australian signed to Dana White\u2019s controversial new Zuffa Boxing franchise.<\/p>\n
While he may be unknown to all but hardcore boxing fans, Fox Sports Australia can reveal Marco Romeo is planning to use tonight\u2019s hyped Tszyu homecoming to also announce himself to UFC boss White.<\/p>\n
While Tszyu is looking to reignite his career against undefeated American puncher Anthony Velazquez, Romeo is readying to steal the show himself on a stacked No Limit undercard boasting the likes of Sam Goodman, Callum Peters and Paulo Aokuso. <\/p>\n
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Tszyu vs Velazquez | Wednesday 17 Dec from 7pm AEDT | Tim Tszyu looks for redemption as \u201cThe Phoenix\u201d takes on undefeated American Velazquez in an attempt to reignite his career. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n Already this week, the unbeaten welterweight has made headlines after being slapped in the face by rival Jason Fawcett during Tuesday\u2019s weigh-ins <\/a>outside the TikTok Entertainment Centre.<\/p>\n Yet speaking after clearing the stage, Romeo revealed the far bigger story is him having sold everything he owns to fund what has now been five months training out of Freddie Roach\u2019s Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Already, the Aussie has spent all his savings on the US camp \u2013 \u201cso right now, I\u2019m broke,\u201d he shrugs \u2013 but insists a highlight reel KO against Fawcett will ensure he lands both new sponsors and, potentially, a breakout Zuffa Boxing deal.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I could definitely be the first Australian signed to Zuffa,\u201d Romeo says. \u201cThey\u2019ve already reached out and told me they want to see how Wednesday night goes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is why I want to get a massive knockout, get some eyes on me.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I honestly see myself becoming a world champion within three, four years.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve given up everything for this.\u201d<\/p>\n LIVE: All the latest, round-by-round updates from Tszyu vs Velazquez<\/a><\/p>\n Marco Romeo at the weigh-ins. Picture: No Limit BoxingSource: Supplied<\/p>\n Hasn\u2019t he what?<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve sold everything I have,\u201d continues the fighter unbeaten in all eight appearances since 2023. \u201cSold my car, all of it.<\/p>\n \u201cSo right now, I\u2019m broke.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the plan is to win big against Fawcett and get some sponsors on board.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I know my potential.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m doing this.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t ever want to be that guy who wastes his talent.<\/p>\n \u201cI never want to look back and say \u2018f***, I was good but missed out because of taking the easy options\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m young, and I know I can be a champion.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve put everything on the line for what starts Wednesday night.\u201d <\/p>\n Endless Stare-Down: Tszyu vs Velazquez | 02:07<\/p>\n More than now working out of the famed Wild Card gym, Romeo is also being trained by Dickie Eckland Jnr \u2013 who not only works directly alongside Roach, but doubles as the nephew of cult American fight hero \u2018Irish\u2019 Micky Ward.<\/p>\n Eckland\u2019s father was also a rugged welterweight who faced Sugar Ray Leonard, and whose life alongside half-brother Ward was famously chronicled in famed Hollywood flick \u2018The Fighter\u2019 \u2013 with the duo portrayed by Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg respectively.<\/p>\n These days however, it is now Eckland Jnr not only shaping the rise and rise of Romeo, but also unbeaten Irishman Callum Walsh — whose own push to super welterweight gold is being heavily back by White.<\/p>\n And with the UFC boss also now planning to launch his new Zuffa Boxing franchise in January 2026, Romeo wants to catch the eye of company bosses in spectacular style \u2013 via a highlight reel KO over Fawcett.<\/p>\n Of course, Romeo is also keen to get one back on Fawcett after his rival broke one of boxing\u2019s unspoken rules by slapping him at the weigh-ins.<\/p>\n Asked about the incident, the fighter replied: \u201cHe\u2019s scared.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was nothing on the slap and then he backed up straight away.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guy is just a Central Coast grub.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd watch what I do to him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gunna f*** that guy up on Wednesday night.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/p>\n ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n WEIGH-INS: \u2018Intense\u2019 Tszyu\u2019s \u2018never seen before\u2019 act to rival after slap sparks weigh-in scuffle<\/a><\/p>\n