Tim Tszyu didn’t take too kindly to Keith Thurman’s assertion that the so-called Mexican style of boxing merely involves being slow-footed.

The 154-pound titlist from Australia and son of boxing great Kostya took issue with Thurman, a former unified welterweight champion, after the Clearwater, Florida native described him a plodder, a style exemplified, in Thurman’s view, by Mexican fighters.

The two met in Los Angeles earlier this week during a press conference to announce their 155-pound non-title bout on March 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Amazon Prime Pay-Per-View.

Thurman's uncouth remark caused Tszyu to not only defend his own craft but praise the fan-friendly, engaging method of the Mexican fighting form.

“Mexican styles are one of the greatest styles in the world,” Tszyu retorted. “Don’t be disrespecting the Mexican style.”

In a subsequent interview after the press conference, Tszyu expanded on his initial rebuttal, pointing out that Thurman, despite his lofty moniker (“One Time” as in all it takes for him is one punch to end a fight), has not scored a stoppage since 2015.

Tszyu, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the top fighters in his division, known for his pressure and punching prowess.

“Don’t disrespect my style because I actually hurt people,” Tszyu told FightHubTV. “He’s a decision guy. Decisionmaker. Split-decision guy. I don’t. I win by a big, big points difference or I knock ’em up. My style, you can’t back my style up.”

“I’m going to make him squeal,” Tszyu continued. “And mark my words he will be squealing in the ring.”

Thurman has not fought in two years, since winning a decision over Mario Barrios, a former junior welterweight contender. At one point in time, “One Time” was arguably the top welterweight in the world, with two titles to his name. Bookmakers have installed Tszyu as a heavy favorite against Thurman.

“I think he’s great, he’s achieved great [accomplishments],” Tszyu said. “But that’s the past. This is the present, you know? I am just levels above him. I know that as a fact.

“He’s got plenty of energy but he doesn’t know what he’s in for. And he’s in for a big, big surprise.

“When you have someone who’s been on a honeymoon for two years, and you got someone who’s just been grinding it out nonstop, there’s a difference. I just don’t want any excuses, no excuses from him. None of this over-the-hill bullsh!t or that he hasn’t fought for two years. Just bring that same energy because that’s the energy I want when we get into the center of the ring.”

Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.