Bob Arum highly impressed with Pacquiao’s sparring partner Tim Tszyu

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum was one of those who were highly impressed by Tim Tszyu’s performance against former WBO world welterweight champion Jeff Horn.

Tszyu, who was in the Philippines last year to spar with Manny Pacquiao in preparation for Keith Thurman, dominated his fellow Australian then made him quit on his stool before the start of round 9 last Wednesday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Australia.

“He looks terrific, he looks like he’s the real goods. Like racehorses, sometimes you can tell the colt is going to be good because the sire was good. He looked really good,” Arum told The Age.

“I talked to Matt, his manager and promoter, and he said he wanted him to fight again before the end of the year in Australia and then he would bring him over to the United States.”

The 25-year-old unbeaten prospect brandishes an unbeaten record of 16-0 with 12 knockouts. He is the son of retired world light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu, and Arum was able to spot similarities in their fighting style in his last outing.

“There’s no mistaking the resemblance,” the promoter quipped.

“Kostya Tszyu was a tremendous fighter. You can’t make comparisons. Kostya was fighting at a much lower weight. I hate to make comparisons between fighters in different eras, no less the father and the son.”

And even though Tszyu now has a win over a former world champ, Arum says it would take the young fighter some building before he becomes ready for a world title.

“[A world title is possible], but let’s not jump. He’s still a baby and needs a little bit more schooling,” Arum said.

“But I would think he’s about a year away. Probably by the end of next year he will be in a position to compete for a world title with a real good chance to win.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News