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Aussie boxing stunned by 'pure brutality' in Nikita Tszyu 'war'

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Nikita Tszyu and Ben Horn (pictured right) embracing and (pictured left) Tszyu punching Horn.
Nikita Tszyu and Ben Horn (pictured right) put on a boxing war in Sydney on Wednesday night. (Getty Images)

Australian boxing fans have erupted after Nikita Tszyu and Ben Horn put on a remarkable and brutal six round display in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Tszyu entered the bout as heavy favourite having stopped his last two opponents within eight minutes of ring time.

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Many fans expected a similar outcome against Horn.

However, showing his trademark family determination, Horn absorbed a whopping 93 body shots and lasted the six rounds in an epic and bloody bout.

While Tszyu won the scorecards 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55 he didn't have it all his way.

Nikita, the younger brother of Tim Tszyu, was rocked in the final moments as the pair traded bombs in the ring.

Tsyzu was full of praise for his rival after the gruelling war.

“He’s tough. He’s as tough as they get. It was a pleasure to share the ring with him," Tszyu said in the ring post-fight.

When asked if his opponent shocked him, he said: “Most definitely. I was quite surprised! He can take a shot. All credit to him.”

Boxing world erupts over Nikita Tszyu-Ben Horn bout

Australian boxing fans were treated to a brilliant six-round bout on Wednesday night that left many pleasantly surprised.

Some claimed it was the tough bout Tszyu needed before a step up in opponents.

While others were full of praise for both warriors in the ring that put on a show.

Main event commentator Ben Damon claimed the bout was "pure brutality", while boxing great Jeff Fenech claimed he was "shocked" at the war.

Horn showed heart during the bout having taken 62 body shots across four rounds.

However, he started to fatigue heading into the fifth as Tszyu looked for the finish.

Commentator Damon likened Horn to the 'Terminator' the way he kept walking out to start each round and moving forward.

However, when everyone thought Horn couldn't take more punishment in the sixth the momentum changed.

Horn landed a right hook on Tszyu as the pair traded blows.

Nikita Tszyu (pictured right) and Ben Horn (pictured left) punch each other.
Nikita Tszyu (pictured right) and Ben Horn (pictured left) battle it out during a boxing fight in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Brendon Thorne via Getty Images)

The right rocked Tszyu who was forced to hang on for the first time in the bout.

But, Tszyu survived and had done enough to take the unanimous points victory.

“I always knew it was going to go the distance. Funny enough, I was telling him in the sixth round: ‘Is that all you got to the body? I think they’re soft Nikita, come on. Is that what you drop people with? Put it on!’ I think it made him a little bit angry!" Horn said.

“I should have started that (sledging) in round one, I could have cleaned him up with a few more shots,” Horn joked.

Horn showed his class after the bout and wished Tszyu, and his brother Tim, all the best in their title chases.

“He’s a top dude, great fighter, and I can see him going a long way. I’d love to see him win a world title one day along with his brother, so good on him.”

with AAP

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