Nikita Tszyu’s Impressive Comeback
Junior middleweight Nikita Tszyu made his much-anticipated return to the ring on Wednesday, August 20, in Sydney after a year-long hiatus. He quickly defeated Macedonian fighter Lulzim Ismaili, who hit the canvas just 90 seconds into the fight and opted to withdraw with a rib injury after only one round. With this win, Tszyu, son of boxing legend Kostya Tszyu and brother of former WBO 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu, improved his record to 11-0, including 9 KOs.
Personal Milestones
Since his last bout, Nikita underwent surgery on his left hand, tied the knot with his girlfriend, also named Nikita, and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Curiosity.
Distinct Personalities
Unlike his older brother Tim, who enjoys restoring classic cars, Nikita is more into gardening. Tim prefers lavish vacations in five-star hotels, while Nikita would rather escape to a cabin in the woods. Their contrasting lifestyles are highlighted in a Sydney Morning Herald article, which mentioned that both Nikita and his newborn daughter share breast milk from their mother, and he has also taken his wife’s placenta, converted into freeze-dried capsules, as a nutritional supplement.
Boxing Career Insights
A four-time amateur champion, Nikita stepped away from boxing for five years to earn a degree in architecture, leading to speculation about his dedication to the sport. However, he dispelled doubts with strong performances against Jack Brubaker, Dylan Biggs, and Koen Mazoudier, although those bouts weren’t against top-tier competition. His latest opponent, Ismaili, boasted an undefeated record but had faced largely subpar fighters.
Future Challenges Ahead
Nikita’s management, the Rose brothers at No Limit Boxing, may be excused for opting for less challenging opponents given his hand injury, but it’s time for him to face tougher competition. A potential match against fellow Australian Michael Zerafa (35-5, 21 KOs) is brewing, and though Zerafa has faced setbacks, it could make for an interesting fight.
The Evolving Landscape of Australian Boxing
Just under two years ago, the narrative of Australian boxing was markedly different, with Tim Tszyu holding an undefeated record and the WBO junior middleweight title. As mentioned in a previous report, other Australian champions and rising stars like Jai Opetaia and Jason Moloney were making waves. However, many have since stumbled, and the boxing scene has changed dramatically.
Hope for the Future
While past champions have struggled, a new generation of Australian boxers may herald a fresh renaissance. Up-and-coming prospects, including heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana and junior welterweight Harry Garside, both former Olympians, are being closely watched. Teremoana recently impressed with a first-round knockout at Madison Square Garden, while Garside has garnered attention for his unique approach and memoir addressing masculinity. The future of Australian boxing remains to be seen.
To contribute to the discussion on this story, visit the Fight Forum here.
