Tackie has a concrete head -Champ

....Tszyu tips long bout

World champion boxer Kostya Tszyu says he doesn't expect a quick finish to his world title bout against Ghana's Ben Tackie in Las Vegas on May 18.

Tszyu, who flies out from Sydney, Australia this afternoon, says he will have to work at gradually breaking down the challenger and expects a long and tough contest.

All of undisputed super lightweight world champion Tszyu's titles will be on the line against Tackie who has a record of 24 wins and two losses.

Tackie, the International Boxing Federation's No. 1 contender, has won 24 of his 26 fights, with points losses to former world champions John-John Molina and Goyo Vargas the only blemishes on his record.

Tszyu goes into the fight at the Mandalay Bay casino complex with a record of 28 wins, one loss and one draw.

Tszyu said he was prepared to go the distance against an opponent renowned for his pressure tactics, powerful right hand and ability to absorb punishment.

"I'm expecting a hard one, he's got a concrete head," Tszyu said.

"It's going to be a long fight, I need lots of time to break him down."

The 32-year-old super lightweight champion declined to disclose how he would do that but Lewis suggested his charge would place plenty of emphasis on body shots and jabs.

"I've said to Kostya "let him (Tackie) be the bull and let us be the matador'," Lewis said.

"This guy is extremely tough, he's a real stayer.

"I always think Kostya is a better chance of stopping them early than late, but with this guy, I don't think he can stop him early.

"He has got a very solid powerful strong right hand and an absolute granite tough chin. Everyone he fights, he finishes over them."

Although critics questioned Tszyu's durability earlier in his career, the champion was adamant he would not be found wanting if the fight did go into the latter rounds.

"They believe they are going to put pressure on me and I will get tired, I'm sure it won't happen," said Tszyu whose record stands at 28 wins, one draw and one loss.

Sharpened by 160 rounds of sparring, Tszyu said he was happy with his preparation. Lewis said Tszyu's preparation had been as good as any in the past.

Tszyu has pleasant memories of the fight venue becauseit was where he took the World Boxing Association title away from Sharmba Mitchell last year.