Tim Tszyu must heed warnings from US debut after big lesson against Terrell Gausha

There are no easy fights when you're ranked as the number-one challenger.

That should be obvious. Aside of actually being world champion, sitting first in line is where everyone wants to be.

Tim Tszyu is still in that spot after his dramatic victory over the game but ultimately out-gunned Terrell Gausha, maintaining his momentum towards a world title shot as he moves to an unbeaten record of 21-0.

Yet, the way Gausha hurt Tszyu, knocking him down in the first round with a brilliant overhand right off the back of an accurate jab, does raise some questions.

It's not a huge surprise that Tszyu looked vulnerable for the first time in his career during his US debut.

Boxing is an unusual sport in as far as you're never sure where you stand until you see two people in the ring for the first time.

Progression through the boxing ranks is only possible by exposing yourself to risk — that's part of its allure.

Not only that, but the only time a fighter can genuinely test themselves at a higher level is in front of the cameras and fans. 

There's nowhere to hide.

For Tszyu, his first step into the American market was fraught with risk.

Not only because he was fighting against an opponent with an impeccable amateur pedigree with a handy world ranking, but that he did so outside of the comfort zone that Australia and all its trappings provides.

At home, he is a star.

In the US, he's just another name. 

This is where Tszyu wants to be though, fighting prime-time in boxing's biggest market, a proving ground where his dad, Kostya fought 14 times, including winning his first world title against Jake Rodríguez in Vegas in 1995.

It's OK for Tszyu to have been slightly overawed by the experience — prime-time in the USA is quite different to midweek in