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‘With my hands, what else?’: Tszyu snaps as tension rises, ‘massive fight’ revealed at presser Nikita Tszyu has declared himself ready to fight as the unbeaten Aussie star proved in no mood for small talk ahead of Wednesday night’s blockbuster showdown with Ben Mahoney. Tszyu and Mahoney came face-to-face at Monday’s final press conference on the Gold Coast, just two days out from a hugely important IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator. Tszyu v Mahoney | Wednesday August 26 from 7pm AEST | The only thing standing between Nikita and an IBF world title shot is Ben Mahoney. The stage is set for an All-Australian blockbuster with the winner securing a direct shot at IBF champion, Josh Kelly. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. And while there was no shortage of respect between the two Australians, Tszyu appeared in little mood for the usual fight-week pleasantries. In fact, that has increasingly been the case all week -- especially when talking to the media. Usually one of Australian boxing’s more relaxed -- and certainly more eccentric -- fighters, Tszyu has appeared noticeably more edgy in recent days, with the 28-year-old offering several short, sarcastic answers as Wednesday night draws closer. “It’s a bit warm at the moment,” he explained at the press conference. “Not my kind of weather, but this is a city that’s built for boxing. “I really want to be in the cold, I can’t stand this heat.” Yet while Tszyu may not be enjoying the weather, there is one element of fighting on the Gold Coast that he believes will work in his favour. With Mahoney fighting in his home city, the Queenslander should enjoy the bulk of the crowd support this week. Tszyu, however, believes being the visiting fighter actually gives him an advantage. Away from the usual distractions of home, ‘The Butcher’ says he has been able to narrow his focus. “I think being away from home is my advantage,” he said. “I like to separate myself from my family. “It’s a ritual that strengthens me. “The distance from the love, it fuels something inside me and brings out a certain kind of energy I can’t have when there’s love and femininity around me. “The past week, I’ve been mentally preparing myself.” Asked how he was feeling just days out from the biggest fight of his career, Tszyu offered another insight into his increasingly edgey mindset. “We’re about to step in the ring and punch the living hell out of each other,” he said “There’s no love in this sport. “It’s a crazy way to make a living.” There was even less patience when Main Event host Ben Damon asked Tszyu how he gets the victory on Wednesday night. “With my hands, what else?” Tszyu fired back dryly. “I’m not going to headbutt him.” If Tszyu has spent fight week retreating further into his own world, Mahoney appears to be doing the opposite. The unbeaten local has embraced the attention surrounding the biggest fight of his life and, while the bookies may have him as the outsider, Mahoney believes he’s the favourite with those in the know. “For the mainstream media and the people who watch the TV a lot, Nikita is the favourite. Look at the betting odds, it says it right there,” said Mahoney. “But i think the people who are in the industry, who know who I am, who have seen me come through… I think im the people’s favourite. “I’ve got the best support crew in the world.” Mahoney said winning means the world to him. “We’ve got an eliminator and the chance to go ona nd fight for the ultimate goal,” he said. “I live for this… “We’ve come up together in the ranks, I was ahead of him [Nikita] for a long time. I was under Tim [Tszyu] for ten years. “I’ve thrown a lot of call outs and I’ve been ignored. “Nikita has come up through and he’s done amazing things in the Australian scene. He’s undefeated… “I’m really excited for this.” Elsewhere, No Limit boss George Rose dropped another significant piece of news at Monday’s press conference, revealing Koen Mazoudier will finally get his shot at Jermall Charlo – provided he takes care of business against Sam Beck on Wednesday night. Mazoudier was originally scheduled to face the former two-division world champion in Sydney last month, only for Charlo to withdraw from their blockbuster clash. It was a bitter blow for the Sydneysider, who had spent months preparing for the biggest opportunity of his career. Now, however, that opportunity is back on the table. “Should he get through this fight he will fight Jermall Charlo in his next bout,” said Rose. “He’s got a lot on the line here. Not only does he have a tough opponent, but if he wins he gets that massive fight against a global superstar. “We are now in the final stages of locking away that fight.” Mazoudier, however, insisted there was only one fighter on his mind. “Im looking straight at Sam Beck,” said the Sydneysider. “Im not worrying about anyone else. “Charlo is a dog for not getting here in the first place. I think it was his fault that it didnt go ahead. “But it is what it is.” Asked directly whether he blamed the American for their fight falling apart, Mazoudier was honest. “He was talking about having the best camp he’d ever had, meanwhile getting done for DUI’s and getting arrested,” Mazoudier said. “How good can your camp be? “Doesnt sound like a real serious athlete to me.” Also featuring on Wednesday night’s stacked Gold Coast card is rising middleweight Callum Peters, while unbeaten heavyweight Brandon Grach are among a host of local talents in action.