{"id":652652,"date":"2026-05-06T05:35:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T05:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/652652\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T05:35:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T05:35:15","slug":"next-fights-for-australian-star-josh-kelly-keith-thurman-jaron-boots-ennis-tony-harrison-potential-opponents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/652652\/","title":{"rendered":"Next fights for Australian star, Josh Kelly, Keith Thurman, Jaron \u2018Boots\u2019 Ennis, Tony Harrison potential opponents"},"content":{"rendered":"

George Rose has urged Eddie Hearn to keep pushing an Ashes blockbuster between Nikita Tszyu and English superstar Josh Kelly, convinced the UK promoter is effectively \u201ctalking things into existence\u201d.<\/p>\n

The declaration comes as Tszyu\u2019s team have also confirmed plans for the \u2018The Butcher\u2019 to eventually throw down against American superstar Jaron \u2018Boots\u2019 Ennis \u2013 and suggested the likes of Keith Thurman and Tony Harrison could be up next.<\/p>\n

Tszyu vs Diaz | Wednesday 6 May from 7pm AEST | Nikita Tszyu continues his rise in boxing as he takes on Spain\u2019s undefeated Oscar Diaz. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Tszyu\u2019s longtime manager Glen Jennings has also revealed how Hearn once made a play for his client, offering him placement within a stable boasting the likes of Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor and Bam Rodriguez.<\/p>\n

Throw in too, the fact Rose says his client has the power to KO every champion in the division — including Sebastian Fundora. <\/p>\n

Currently on an undefeated tear of 11 straight wins, 28-year-old Tszyu is now readying for the biggest test of his career against exciting, young Spaniard Oscar Diaz, in Newcastle tonight.<\/p>\n

Apart from being world ranked by the WBO, Diaz is also three years younger than Tszyu, boasts three more years\u2019 experience and, according to statistics, also owns a reach advantage. <\/p>\n

Yet should the younger Tszyu continue his unbeaten streak, he is already being talked up for an incredible hit list including world champions, future Hall of Famers, even that loudmouthed American who big brother beat up.<\/p>\n

Which is something of a shift, right?<\/p>\n

Understanding how for so much of his rise until now, the Nikita story has involved cobra blood, or breast milk, bull testicles, Liver Kings, hand surgery, climbing trees, building log cabins and, of course, being sponsored by Taboo Hub \u2014 Australia\u2019s premium online adult store.<\/p>\n

But undeniably, his manager insists, Wednesday night is where things start to shift.<\/p>\n

READ MORE BOXING<\/p>\n

NIKITA\u2019S REVEAL: Tszyu\u2019s remarkable pre-fight admission<\/a><\/p>\n

ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2018IT WAS WEIRD\u2019: Mundine Jr on world title dream, surname \u2018blessing\u2019…. and sparring his old man<\/a><\/p>\n

WEIGH-INS: Milk-drinking, a brawl… and a G-string? Ripped Nikita turns heads at wild weigh-ins<\/a><\/p>\n

START TIME: When does the fight begin?<\/a><\/p>\n

Nikita Tszyu flexes after weighing in.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause there is definitely an element to Nikita Tszyu \u2013 you know, the Prince of Darkness narrative \u2013 that people find very addictive,\u201d Jennings told Fox Sports Australia this week. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it comes from the fact people haven\u2019t seen a lot of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNikita, he hasn\u2019t done many rounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if he goes 10 rounds on Wednesday night, the talk won\u2019t so much be around Nikita the character, but how he\u2019s fought …\u201d<\/p>\n

And the bigger the names, Jennings says, the louder that talk becomes.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil eventually,\u201d he grinned, \u201cyou have a wonderful blend of both\u201d.<\/p>\n

Rose, however, sees things slightly differently.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause rounds are great, yeah,\u201d he says, smile widening and the impending punchline. \u201cBut so are knockouts. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I believe Nikita Tszyu knocks out every world champion in the super welterweight division, including Sebastian Fundora.\u201d<\/p>\n

So with all this in mind, exactly what does the Tszyu road map look like moving forward?<\/p>\n

Nikita is pure JACKED as he weighs in | 03:29<\/p>\n

BOOTS BLOCKBUSTER<\/p>\n

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia in Melbourne only last week, Matchroom\u2019s Eddie Hearn heaped praise on the \u201cexciting\u201d Tszyu, who he insisted will be \u201cvery soon challenging for a world title\u201d.<\/p>\n

As a result, Hearn declared interest in offering up IBF super welterweight champ Kelly for what would be an exciting Ashes showdown. The UK promoter, somewhat surprisingly, also then pitched up Ennis \u2014 who is himself looking to unify world titles against Xander Zayas in June.<\/p>\n

To which Tszyu\u2019s promoter says what?<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I know Eddie is starting to do shows out here,\u201d Rose told Fox Sports Australia on fight eve. \u201cAnd if you want to make some noise in Australian boxing, you\u2019ve got to talk about the Tszyu boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to making an impact down here, you have to talk these guys up. Especially if you want anyone to listen.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I understand why Eddie is using Nikita\u2019s name. Same with Tim Tszyu and Liam Paro.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s used all these names because it helps to gain traction here and we understand that.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019d also love to take those belts.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the more Eddie talks about these fights, the more chance there is of something happening.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Laughs] He\u2019s talking things into existence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when Nikita is ready for world titles, they\u2019re exactly the people we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jaron Ennis (R) could be a big-name opponent for Nikita Tszyu.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

TONY HARRISON<\/p>\n

Should Tszyu defeat Diaz this Wednesday night, Rose said there are already discussions around going straight into a fight with former world champ Harrison \u2013 the same man Tim Tszyu brutally stopped to earn WBO interim gold three years ago.<\/p>\n

Another option, the promoter says, is American great Thurman.<\/p>\n

Two years ago, the fighter dubbed \u2018One Time\u2019 was slated to headline against Tim Tszyu in Las Vegas, only to withdraw late in what would prove a huge sliding doors moment for Australia\u2019s pay-per-view king.<\/p>\n

Then last year, Thurman again seemed on track for \u2018The Phoenix\u2019 when he travelled Down Under and stopped Brock Jarvis \u2013 but instead would eventually go into a world title fight with Sebastian Fundora.<\/p>\n

Now, however, it is Nikita being mentioned.<\/p>\n

However, given Tszyu arrives at Wednesday night\u2019s Diaz showdown having completed only three rounds in two years, it would seem long odds he gets either man next. <\/p>\n

Regardless, we certainly know Harrison is in if asked, with the former world champ having already outed his interest in eventually avenging his Tim Tszyu loss, or taking on a little brother who \u201cis still wet behind the ears\u201d.<\/p>\n

Back in December, during an interview with Main Event\u2019s Ben Damon, Harrison laughed when asked about fighting the younger Tszyu sibling, saying: \u201cIsn\u2019t he like 12?\u201d<\/p>\n

Told Nikita had gone 11 fights without loss, and would definitely be looking to level up over the next year, Harrison grinned: \u201cListen to me, I\u2019m not gunna keep losing to the Tszyus.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat s**** dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the Tszyus need to go back to the zoo. I won\u2019t keep losing to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re calling me to fight [Nikita], who is still kinda wet behind the ears? I watched him fight and think he\u2019s technically sound, we just haven\u2019t heard of him yet. So keep doing your thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if No Limit were to call me, man, I\u2019ll make an exception for him. I\u2019ll take that trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tszyu vs Diaz | Wednesday 6 May from 7pm AEST | Nikita Tszyu continues his rise in boxing as he takes on Spain\u2019s undefeated Oscar Diaz. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n

Tony Harrison punches Tim Tszyu during their 2023 fight.Source: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n

ANOTHER TOP 15 INTERNATIONAL \u2026 OR TWO<\/p>\n

Despite all of the above, Tszyu\u2019s longtime manager Glen Jennings has also conceded to Fox Sports Australia that his client \u2013 who he brands a \u201crookie\u201d \u2013 could still be four more fights from a world title showdown.<\/p>\n

Despite currently being ranked as high as No.6 with the IBF, Jennings admitted there remains a large gap between that figure and another key metric \u2013 rounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is a really interesting quandary,\u201d Jennings conceded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause in Nikita Tszyu, you\u2019ve got this exciting young, undefeated fighter. A guy who has already reached superstar status here in Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet he\u2019s also still a rookie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s why we have to get Nikita rounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s only through rounds that you get maturity in the ring. Same as it is only through rounds you get a sense of understanding about your craft, and time to refine that craft.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we need to close the gap between Nikita\u2019s experience and his positioning in the rankings.\u201d<\/p>\n

And right now, Oscar Diaz represents that first step.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if Nikita gets him out in a round?\u201d Jennings shrugged. \u201cWe\u2019ve achieved nothing in terms of closing the gap.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if it goes 10 rounds? Yeah, that\u2019s a learning experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

So as for what, exactly, stands between Tszyu and those biggest fights above?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to get to a point where he has another 50, 60 rounds under his belt,\u201d Jennings continued. \u201cThat, and ensure he\u2019s been in with some great guys.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil then, we won\u2019t consider launching Nikita into those biggest fights. He\u2019s still a young man who has a lot to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spence brutally snubs Tim Tszyu! | 00:24<\/p>\n

THE HEARN PITCH<\/p>\n

So as for what Jennings makes of Hearn\u2019s potential fight offers?<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019re great names aren\u2019t they?\u201d the manager grinned. \u201cBoots Ennis and Josh Kelly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I know there will come a time when Nikita Tszyu is competing with those guys.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut when that happens? It\u2019s impossible to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now it\u2019s those rounds that is the issue.\u201d <\/p>\n

Elsewhere, Jennings revealed he was not surprised to hear Hearn talking up his client, given he once actually made a play to sign \u2018The Butcher\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Eddie and I spoke about Nikita prior to him turning pro,\u201d he said. \u201cWhile he\u2019d only seen bits and pieces of Nikita, he told us \u2018I like the look of him\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cEventually though, we went into contract negotiations and No Limit won it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nikita primed to ‘legally’ hurt Diaz | 03:53<\/p>\n

IT\u2019S A KNOCKOUT<\/p>\n

Asked about the narrative beginning to shift on Tszyu, from quirky younger brother to genuine world title contender, and Rose agrees<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I know when it comes to Oscar Diaz, a lot of Aussie fight fans may not be aware of him,\u201d Rose explained. \u201cBut a win for Nikita here? It means he\u2019s right on the doorstep for those names people do know.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd once he starts knocking them off?<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when people will understand just how bloody good he is.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough just on the quirkiness, that isn\u2019t going anywhere, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Importantly, Rose insists Tszyu can KO every single star of the super welterweight division.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely Nikita has that knockout power,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really believe he can knock out anyone in the world at super welterweight.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo while rounds are definitely good, so are knockouts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was speaking on [Main Event] broadcast this week and they brought up Keith Thurman and Tony Harrison. And if Nikita knocks out someone like that, I\u2019m not complaining.<\/p>\n

\u201cSame with Oscar Diaz.<\/p>\n

\u201cNikita stopping guys early … I think that\u2019s great for his growth, too.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"George Rose has urged Eddie Hearn to keep pushing an Ashes blockbuster between Nikita Tszyu and English superstar…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":652653,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[571],"tags":[64,63,802,85],"class_list":["post-652652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-boxing","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-boxing","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/652652","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=652652"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/652652\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/652653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=652652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=652652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=652652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}