Tim Tszyu has revealed he was in talks with NRL great Braith Anasta about the footy legend becoming his adviser.
Code Sports sat down with the Sydney-born boxer, 31, as he gears up to face former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence in a huge showcase bout on July 25.
It has been an up and down 12 months for Tszyu — who has recovered from a second loss against Sebastian Fundora to win his last two outings.
But the defeat to Fundora saw him make two significant changes to his backroom staff.
Tszyu has now confirmed he considered another new face in his camp in the form of Bulldogs and Roosters icon Anasta — and even spoke to the ex-footy star about coming on board.
The pair had become friendly while working as ambassadors for Calmerceuticals.
Speaking to Code Sports, Tszyu said: “We had a conversation about working together – not as management though.
“He’s a great guy, and he’s got a lot of really good ideas. He’s got a lot of connections too.
“But right now, there’s so many people I can lean on. I’ve met so many people just in the last year that I haven’t previously had the chance to.
“There’s so many people out there in boxing and in sport.
“It was just interesting to talk and mingle with other athletes (like Anasta) – it was refreshing.”
In the end, the link-up did not materialise — with Anasta busy presenting NRL 360, as well as managing stars such as Cameron Munster, Lachlan Ilias and Jonah Pezet.
Tszyu has begun training camp for his fight with Spence — and will jet off to Bangkok for three weeks on Monday.
And the Aussie appears to be in a very positive headspace as he eyes the biggest win of his career.
“It’s great to be back and falling in love with the sport,” he said. “These types of fights – and fights like Hagler vs Hearns – this is what boxing is for me.
“I’ve been a true lover of the sport for such a long time, and now I’m back at that place.”
Before he added: “It’s good to have different opinions, that’s what makes the fight interesting. He’s got a lot of support. But I’m going to shock the party.
“When I win this fight, the opportunities ahead are crazy.”