Dennis Hogan has come out swinging early. The Brisbane-based Irishman and upcoming opponent of Australian prodigy, Tim Tszyu, has had some choice words leading into the bout that will see one of these fighters progress to what is a highly anticipated world title fight.
Hogan, has taken a shot at Tszyu saying the undefeated Aussie has had an easy run as of late, having not had to take on any fighter who’s proved a hard task. According to Hogan, Tszyu will face his toughest challenge yet, with the 36 year old making it known he’s a class above his younger opponent.
"He's not as good as me," Hogan told reporters.
"I've got more skills, I've got more everything and I fully believe I'm the better boxer.
"That's why this fight excites me so much. I've never wanted a fight as much as this my whole life. I believe It's my time and you will all see why."
Asked if Tszyu hadn't been tested yet following recent TKO wins over Jeff Horn and Bowyn Morgan, Hogan responded with: "Exactly how I feel".
"Even Jeff at his best, he was a welterweight," he said.
"The guy (Bowyn Morgan) he knocked over in the first round was a welterweight.
Two of the best from his most recent wins are people that are genuinely at a lower weight category.
"They're talking about him and all his power but he didn't put a scratch on Jeff regardless of how the fight went down.
"That won't be me, I'm fully confident in my own abilities. I know I will get the win, something inside me has opened up."
Tim Tszyu enters the super welterweight bout as a short-priced favourite, going 17-0 so far in his career.
Speaking to the media on St Patrick’s Day in response to Hogan’s warnings, Tszyu had this to say.
"Dennis, I've heard what you said about me," Tszyu said.
"Let me be very clear with you, I'm going to end you. This is your last fight.
"I know it's St Patrick's Day, but I don't believe in the luck of the Irish. You make your own luck and you create your own destiny."
Tszyu staked his claim as the face of the sport in Australia when he stopped Hogan’s former teammate, Jeff Horn, before dominating Kiwi, Bowyn Morgan.
With the two ready to go, it’ll be a fight for the ages.
MAIN CARD
Tim Tszyu vs Dennis Hogan
UNDER CARD
Ty Telford vs Steve Spark