Tim Tszyu made it clear he wants a shot at the world super welterweight title after defeating Jeff Horn in Australia.
Tszyu started the best of the pair when he placed a couple of deft shots and kept his opponent at a distance, leaving the 25-year-old on top in their Australian title fight.
Horn looked to be coming into the game with an attritional second round, but he was put on his backside in the third round with a powerful right hook, followed by a meaty left from Tszyu.
The next two rounds saw Tszyu push through his dominance as his opponent flagged and opened up enough to take some body shots. Horn endured his second standing eight count in Round 6, and after two more rounds where Tszyu was in control, Horn’s corner had to concede.
"It was an honour to share the ring with Jeff," Tszyu said after the fight’s conclusion.
He was keen to make it clear he was his own man after enduring comparisons with his father, light-welterweight world champion Kostya Tszyu.
“I just want everyone to know my name is Tim. Not the son,” he told the press.
“All respect to Jeff, he has achieved so much, he has given Australia this platform.
“He was a tough competitor, but this is a young man’s sport. I was better this night.
“It’s sink or swim and I’m not going to sink, I’m here to swim. I want to represent everyone here in Townsville, everyone in Australia, Russia, everyone around the world. "
There was one of his father's achievements that Tszyu Junior wanted to emulate, though, after winning the Australian title: “I want the real world title around my waist soon.”
Horn, 32, was magnanimous in defeat after being beaten by a younger man.
“Tim was young, hungry, he’s an absolute champion”, he said.
“I wouldn’t put anything past him, he’s an absolute legend, I hope all of Australia can support him now.
“He now is the No. 1 in Australia. He’s certainly earned it now … and he can fly that flag for Australia.
“He was out-boxing me out there and he has that young blood. Tim has that hunger about him. I’ve been there and done that. Tim is very hungry for that win and I can feel that through him tonight.
“He’s got that champion’s spirit in him, I can feel it.”