With just over two weeks to go until fight night in Las Vegas, Tim Tszyu opened the doors to Tszyu Fight Club in Rockdale for his final Sydney media workout — offering an insight into the mindset, motivation and momentum driving his mission to rewrite the story against Sebastian Fundora. The former world champion flies to the US on July 4 to acclimatise ahead of his July 20 (AEST) world title rematch at the iconic MGM Grand, in what he describes as a “vengeance year” and the next chapter of a lifelong dream.
Also on hand was younger brother Nikita Tszyu, who is set to return on August 20 after a frustrating 12 months out with a hand injury. Now a father and refreshed in mindset, Nikita spoke openly about his comeback journey, potential future opponents — including Michael Zerafa — and the inspiration he’s taken from Tim’s laser-focused preparation for one of the biggest moments in Australian boxing history.
Tim Tszyu
“[On the first Fundora fight] We both know a lot about each other. We both went to life and death together there, you know. It wasn’t a one-way road for him. He was copping a few shots as well. It’s a game of strategy. We both come back, we both know each other, and it’s who does the homework better — and this is it. Everything’s life and death in this sport, you know. Kill or be killed.
”I’m a more mature, more comfortable-in-his-own-skin fighter — not just as a fighter, but as a person — and it’s a whole different feeling compared to last time. The last time I had momentum. This time around, I feel like I’ve got the momentum back — and I’ve got more to prove. And the fact that when I rewrite this chapter, it’s gonna be one hell of a story. That’s the leading motivation right there. It’s not really about proving it to anyone — not to the fans, not even to the US audience. It’s just proving it in my story. The US fight fans, they know. They understand what I’m all about. I bring the action and all of that stuff. But for me, it’s about the story.”
”I think there’s no such thing as a successful story without failures. A couple of bumps on the road doesn’t mean you’re completely out. But this year is gonna be like a vengeance year. That’s the word for me. It started with Joey Spencer — and it’s gonna keep on going. Keep on rolling.”
“There’s been a whole different feeling in this camp. I’ve literally paused everything in my life — all the external noise — and just gone tunnel vision. And when you have that, it’s an unbelievable feeling. Because when you’re so obsessed with reaching a certain goal, that’s all there is in this life for me.”
[On fighting at the MGM Grand] Look, I think everyone dreams of certain things, certain feelings as a young kid. Maybe as a young kid you thought you were going to be an astronaut, or you say these ridiculous things, you know. I’m actually living it. I’m living what I said I would do as a young kid — the things people would laugh at. But I’m here. I’m living the superhero character. And it’s what life’s about for me. It should be for everyone.
Nikita Tszyu is finally ready to return — and he’s bringing a new perspective with him. Speaking candidly ahead of his comeback, Tszyu opened up about his mindset after becoming a father, the challenge of shaking off ring rust, the possibility of facing Michael Zerafa later this year, and his brother Tim’s laser focus heading into a world title rematch in Las Vegas.
Nikita Tszyu
“Finally, I get to put my training to use. I’ve only had two sparring sessions in the last year. I don’t really know what to expect yet – hopefully it’s good. The hand felt great yesterday in sparring. This morning it hurt a little, but it wasn’t the worst. Compared to back in March when I really busted it up again, it’s a big difference. Punching? A couple of months. Hard surfaces, like the heavy bag, maybe a month. I’ve been going quite hard on it lately. I’ve had a long year with a lot of reflection about how I want to conduct myself. I’m going to try and be an adult… we’ll see how long that lasts.
“[I’ve heard they’re trying to plan a fight with Michael Zerafa for later this year] I think it’d be a great test for me – a great way to catapult my career. He’s a very well-respected fighter, and it’d be a big challenge and a big stepping stone. I’m not going to say I’m at his level. I haven’t proven myself yet. I’ve had 10 fights – he’s had what, over 30 or something? He’s very experienced, he’s fought overseas. I’d be the underdog in that fight – no doubt – and I’m okay with that. If there is [tension with Zerafa], I couldn’t care. He’s said stuff in the past – so have I. I say stupid shit all the time. Things I don’t really mean. If he meant it, good on him. I don’t care. It’d be similar to the Dylan Biggs fight. No Limit kind of put me forward as the favourite, but I knew I was the underdog. We’d had a sparring session before and he gave me a hiding. So there was a lot for me to prove to myself in that fight. And this one, it’s not the same, but it’s similar – where I’ve got to be screwed on tight and bring my best.”
“(Becoming a father) I think it’s changed me – or at least it should. I guess I’ll find out in those dark moments, how my brain reacts. Tim looks very energised. He’s totally zoned in. I’ve been really impressed with his sparring. This means everything to him. It’s like a life-or-death situation, and he’s treating it that way. Vegas is the pinnacle – it’s where everyone wants to be. Hopefully I get there. But right now, I’m still bound to Australia. I’ve got to conquer this land first before I represent on the world stage.”
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