Welcome to Tszyucastle: Tim Tszyu sets sights on Dennis Hogan boxing blockbuster

Back in the city his father Kostya made lasting memories inside the boxing ring. The city Tszyu came to as a seven-year-old boy for dinner with rugby league immortal Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley and the like.

It is in the east coast city Tszyu will put his unbeaten 17-0 record on the line against former world title challenger Dennis Hogan [28-3-1] at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night.

It has become something of an adopted home. So does it feel like Tszyucastle?

"We're running the show here," world-ranked super welterweight Tszyu grinned.

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"I'm glad I'm doing this, and I'm glad Australia gets to experience and witness this, because it's a part of time we will never get back.

"Buckle up, enjoy the ride, because it's going to last a long time and we're going to have some fun.

"I've known the Johns boys for a long time, we had dinner when I was a seven-year-old kid. I really remember that moment.

"I remember being a Knights fan when I was a young boy. The support here in Newcastle is tremendous."

Tszyu finished an open workout inside Charlestown Square Centre Court and began posing for photos and signing autographs for fans. Still, there was no sign of Hogan.

The line of punters eventually thinned out and Hogan's team rolled in, no less than 48 minutes after Tszyu was dancing around the ring with onlookers watching his every move.

But these weren't mind games. "COVID screening", says Hogan, who travelled to Newcastle from Brisbane amid concern about a potential outbreak in the Queensland capital.

"It just took us ages to get through it," Hogan said.

"I know he is going to try to do that to me in the ring walk so I'm glad it happened. Of course he will, I'll be standing at the rope holding it, waiting for him. I can't wait. Let's do it."

A wide gulf has already emerged in the betting market in favour of the WBO's No. 1 ranked contender with a win to put Tszyu in the box seat for a world title shot.

Hogan is adamant Tszyu is taking the biggest step up in his career against a man who should have been crowned a world champion if not for controversial scorecards in Mexico. Tszyu knows he has to be at his best.

"This fight has to be flawless," Tszyu said.

"Every fight for me from now on is flawless. There's no such thing as bad opponents, every opponent is of that calibre now. I've got to get rid of them.

"I'm self motivated. I don't need a specific person or a specific fight. I'm self motivated to be the best.

"You know what? I want to take my time in this fight. He has got some experience and I want to enjoy it. I've got a plan. I'll be ready for everything."