famously broke the jaw of fellow Queenslander Benjamin Hussain in a 2020 classic<\/a>. <\/p>\nBen Mahoney and Koen Mazoudier trade punches during their super welterweight bout at Qudos Bank Arena on March 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I\u2019m not here to f*** around,\u201d the undefeated puncher declared this week. \u201cRight now, I\u2019m in my prime as a fighter and the winner of this fight between Nikita and I, they\u2019ll then go on to massive things.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, I\u2019m getting goosebumps just talking about it now. And that\u2019s because I have such belief in what I can do.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, if Nikita isn\u2019t ready to test himself with a fight like this, or I wasn\u2019t ready \u2026 we shouldn\u2019t be doing this sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m the biggest test of Nikita Tszyu\u2019s career, I can guarantee that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paro overcomes Crocker for world title | 05:30<\/p>\n
So as for his thoughts on the younger Tszyu?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a lot of respect for Nikita,\u201d Mahoney continued. \u201cHe\u2019s a good fighter who is big, strong, explosive, and comes in there to get his fights done.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there are also a lot of holes in his game. I won\u2019t go into those though. And obviously his power is his strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019ve seen that when he fights guys who are tough and durable \u2013 fighters like Ben Horn and Koen Mazoudier \u2013 that power doesn\u2019t always do the damage it needs to.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that\u2019s when he gets himself in trouble. So I know I\u2019ve got a great chin, I\u2019m experienced, durable and move well. I also have power myself and am a lot smarter than these other guys [he\u2019s fought].<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a fight that not only makes sense, but where the winner goes on to huge things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Francis agreed, adding: \u201cWhile nothing has been signed off yet, we\u2019re definitely in talks for a showdown that is absolutely world class. You\u2019re talking about two undefeated Australians ranked inside the top 10. It\u2019s massive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Should the bout get signed off in the next fortnight, potential locations include Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney, even Adelaide.<\/p>\n
Nikita Tszyu celebrates victory against Oscar Diaz during the WBO International Super Welterweight Title bout at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 06, 2026 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
TSZYU\u2019S CHARLO SHOWDOWN<\/p>\n
American superstar Jermell Charlo is set to be ringside for Tim Tszyu\u2019s July blockbuster against Errol Spence Jnr, and has plans to enter the ring and finally confront the Australian face-to-face should he win.<\/p>\n
While it has now been three years since he walked away from a Las Vegas blockbuster against Tszyu, Charlo will be part of a bumper Sydney crowd set to include the likes of Terence Crawford, Shawn Porter, Paulie Malignaggi, Danny Green, Anthony Mundine, a host of NRL superstars, and new IBF world champion, Liam Paro. <\/p>\n
This column understands American promoters PBC not only want Charlo fighting the winner of Tszyu-Spence, but will fly him Down Under to ensure a post-fight confrontation with the winner.<\/p>\n
Despite having not fought since 2023, when he dropped a lopsided decision to Crawford, the fighter dubbed \u2018Iron Man\u2019 would still draw huge interest with a showdown against either Tszyu or Spence.<\/p>\n
Of course, Charlo\u2019s twin brother Jarmall will also feature on the card, squaring off against Australia\u2019s real-life Rocky story Koen Mazoudier.<\/p>\n
Jermell Charlo and Tim TszyuSource: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n
AUSSIE UFC STAR TAKES SIX KIDS INTO CAMP<\/p>\n
Robert Whittaker\u2019s bravery knows no bounds \u2013 with Australia\u2019s first UFC champion incredibly taking all six of his children inside his Las Vegas camp for UFC 329.<\/p>\n
Speaking with this column shortly before jetting out for the blockbuster event set to be headlined by Conor McGregor, Bobby Knuckles confirmed he and wife Sophia are taking the entire family across for what will be his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, taking the whole tribe,\u201d Whittaker laughed of his incredible ordeal. \u201cWhich will be a pain in the arse, sure. But I want all of them to be part of this before I wrap things up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd honestly, we\u2019re not talking rocket science here. You just pack the bags and do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it\u2019s all about priorities, right? And my biggest priority now is to have all the family experience a fight week with me \u2026 come see what dad does for work before I don\u2019t do this anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Errol Spence Jr. introduced to vegemite! | 00:46<\/p>\n
MCGREGOR TICKET PRICES<\/p>\n
Conor McGregor\u2019s claims to being the greatest draw in UFC history don\u2019t seem to have abated with his time out of the Octagon \u2013 with even the cheapest remaining nosebleed tickets going for almost $1500.<\/p>\n
Little more than a week out from his UFC 329 headliner against Max Holloway, T-Mobile Arena is almost sold out of tickets to see McGregor fight for the first time in five years.<\/p>\n
Apart from a couple of crazy VIP spots, the few remaining floor seats are going for as much as US$20,000, which equates to almost $30K here.<\/p>\n
Previously, some of the best seats available were going for as high as US$24,600, while even the cheapest remaining seats inside the T-Mobile rafters have been set at a staggering US$1000, or A$1400.<\/p>\n
Moloney wins IBF title in Japan | 00:36<\/p>\n
AUSSIE HEAVYWEIGHT SHAKE-UP<\/p>\n
Australian heavyweight prospect Teremoana Jnr will fight an American rival on Matchroom\u2019s return Down Under in August \u2013 and despite repeatedly calling for a shot at the national heavyweight strap.<\/p>\n
Instead, Australian champ Stevan Ivic looks set to defend gold against resurrected Newcastle puncher Brandon \u2018The Bull\u2019 Grach, who returned from almost a year away in May with a solid stoppage win against Caleb Tialu. The domestic title fight would be a cracking addition to a Nikita Tszyu undercard, should \u2018The Butcher\u2019 finalise an August return as expected. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Justis Huni\u2019s team have added a surprise new name to their own list of potential targets for his upcoming Matchroom pay-per-view headliner in Australia — Demsey McKean.<\/p>\n
While UK promoter Eddie Hearn has already talked up a fight between Huni and the likes of Deontay Wilder, Derek Chisora and Jarrell Miller, McKean\u2019s recent 2026 Fight of the Year contender against Liam Talivaa has seen his name added to the list.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s understood Huni\u2019s team have made an approach to the Queenslander, whose only two loses are against Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic.<\/p>\n
NAS vs Burgess | Fight Highlights | 05:44<\/p>\n
TSZYU\u2019S HYPED STABLEMATE COPS CALL-OUT<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s Max McIntyre has thrown down a challenge to every domestic fighter in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions \u2013 including No Limit\u2019s breakout prospect Callum Peters.<\/p>\n
While Peters has been dubbed Australia\u2019s most avoided fighter, McIntyre insists he is more than keen to throw down with the youngster whose willingness to fight between divisions has drawn comparisons to no less than Dave Sands.<\/p>\n
While currently readying to headline in July, McIntyre said his team have incredibly made contract offers to every leading super middleweight and middleweight in the country.<\/p>\n
Peters, meanwhile, is undefeated in all seven professional fights, including a massive win most recently against American Joeshon James, and is also slated to fight again in July on the Tim Tszyu versus Errol Spence undercard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know some fighters out there are making noise,\u201d the undefeated Queenslander said. \u201cAnd if Callum wants to fight I\u2019d be happy to. I\u2019m not sure if he wants to move up from middleweight, but if he is I\u2019d be happy to fight wherever, whenever.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now though, I\u2019m focused on the job ahead. But I know my manager has sent contract offers to every single super middleweight, every single middleweight too. Put whoever you want in there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Card confirmed for Tszyu v Spence Jnr | 00:52<\/p>\n
CHAMP\u2019S DAD CHALLENGES OPETAIA<\/p>\n
David Benavidez\u2019s father has confirmed his son is keen for a Jai Opetaia superfight \u2013 and at a time when Zuffa Boxing\u2019s Dana White has reportedly launched legal action to have the Australian\u2019s IBF cruiserweight title returned. <\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Team Opetaia remain convinced the undefeated Aussie star is set to next face the man holding WBC gold, Noel Mikaelian, stressing that another potential challenger, Englishman Chris Billam-Smith, doesn\u2019t deserve the opportunity.<\/p>\n
Speaking with Fighting Words from Las Vegas this week, Opetaia\u2019s manager Mick Francis revealed he has spoken personally with both White and the father\/trainer of cruiserweight king Benavidez about a potential showdown between the pair. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd whatever happens next, it will be up to Zuffa,\u201d Francis said. \u201cThey pay the bills so they make the decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I can tell you Dana White loves Jai, and I\u2019ve also spoken to Benavidez snr who says they want the fight. But I\u2019m just not sure if they feel like he is ready yet.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally, I still feel like Mikaelian will be next as he\u2019s the only fighter saying he wants Jai. But more recently they\u2019ve also delivered some mixed messages so who knows?\u201d<\/p>\n
Pushed on whispers of a Billiam-Smith clash, Francis continued: \u201cLook, Billam-Smith may say he wants that fight but, trust me, we\u2019ll get closer to the date and the guy will get an injury, or something else will go wrong. We know how he works.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlus, you\u2019ve got to remember that Jai called him out for a long time when he had a WBO belt. That\u2019s the belt Jai wanted. The belt he would\u2019ve taken a pay cut. But Chris ducked, he weaved, and now he\u2019s back calling for a shot? He doesn\u2019t even have a title \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Quizzed on threats of legal action around Opetaia being stripped of the IBF strap, Francis suggested that \u201cZuffa have lodged paperwork through the courts\u201d.<\/p>\n
Poirier threatens cop during arrest | 01:33<\/p>\n
REFEREE HITS BACK AT UFC \u2018ILLEGAL SHOT\u2019 FURORE<\/p>\n
Longtime UFC referee \u2018Big\u2019 John McCarthy has leapt to the defence of peer Herb Dean over the \u2018illegal shot\u2019 drama during the UFC White House event.<\/p>\n
In short, Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira took aim at Dean for failing to police what he believed where illegal shots from Ciryl Gane, who won their bout, on the back of his head \u2013 even campaigning for his removal from the sport.<\/p>\n
However, speaking with Uncrowned this week, McCarthy said: \u201cNot one of those was an illegal shot. That is not an illegal elbow to the back of the head. That is a legal shot \u2026 because that would be hitting right where it\u2019s even past the crown of the head. So that\u2019s a legal shot, the back of the head.\u201d<\/p>\n
AUSSIE JAGS IBF ELIMINATOR<\/p>\n
Adopted Aussie Conor Wallace has entered talks for a huge IBF light heavyweight eliminator against Englishman Ben Whittaker.<\/p>\n
Understandably, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn would prefer to keep Whittaker fighting, and winning, in the UK. However, given Matchroom now has a series of exciting, new fight dates in Australia to fill, Wallace\u2019s team are determined to get the bout switched to his backyard of either Brisbane or the Gold Coast. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This is Fox Sports Australia\u2019s combat sports column Fighting Words, where we give you all the latest news…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":773327,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[571],"tags":[64,63,802,85],"class_list":["post-773326","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\/773326","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=773326"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/773326\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/773327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=773326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=773326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=773326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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