Tim Tszyu feels like he's entered "the jungle" after leaving the home comforts of Sydney to set up an intense training camp in the US ahead of next month's unified world title showdown with Jermell Charlo.
Tszyu can sense there's nowhere to hide now that he's preparing for Charlo at the famed Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, run by legendary trainer Joe Goossen.
A production line of world champions including Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and Riddick Bowe have graduated from Goossen's mentoring in Van Nuys, where Tszyu this week found himself rubbing shoulders with LA lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia in a real eye-opener for the undefeated Australian super-welterweight.
"There is something about this place, America. The eyeballs come in, the magnitude of the moment. It all plays a part," Tsyzu said before a session on Wednesday.
"It's not just the physical preparation. This is the jungle, man. I feel like I'm in the jungle."
Even if he doesn't believe it, Tszyu (21-0, 15KO) accepts he's the betting underdog entering the January 29 showdown with Charlo (35-1-1,19KO) in Las Vegas.
But the 28-year-old is convinced he will strip Charlo of his IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO belts and become the first Australian in the 19-year four-belt era to unify a division.
"Charlo right now is the best in the division. I know the challenge I have in front of me, but I also know my abilities. Never underestimate me," Tszyu said, noting how the champion is boldly predicting an early stoppage.
"This is my moment. The pressure's on him. I've got no pressure.
"He's the one that's putting pressure on himself. He said he's going to knock me out in a couple of rounds. I know that's not going to happen. Watch.
"We get in the ring and it's pure business. I turn. I've got a flick that, once I get into the ring, it just switches. That's it, I'm a monster."
But while Charlo is publicly dismissing Tsyzu, it's the challenger's "certain respect" for his opponent that has prompted Tszyu to base himself in America for more than two months before the unified mega fight.
"Man, I'm taking this really seriously. Not many people get to fight for the undisputed world championship," Tszyu said.
"So if you're going to do it, do it properly. This is why I came over here so early. Got my team, got everything, left all females at home. Everyone's back home.
"So now it's all like this - tunnel vision."
Apart from a brief venture to Venice Beach, it's been all business for Tszyu since leaving Australian shores in late November.
"In all honesty, it's just been from home to the gym, home to the gym. It hasn't really been much other than that," he said.
"Acclimatising. Not being able to burn out. In the first few weeks when you are adapting to everything, getting used to the facilities, getting used to being at home, it's a totally different environment.
"This is camp life, man. Day by day."
