Kostya Tszyu


Konstantin Borisovich "Kostya" Tszyu is a Russian-Australian former professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2005. He held multiple world championships in the light-welterweight division, including the undisputed and lineal championships between 2001 and 2005. Tszyu was an exceptional all-around boxer-puncher who relied heavily on accuracy, timing, and carried formidable punching power; he is often regarded as one of the hardest-punching light-welterweights in the division's history, and one of the greatest light-welterweights of all time.
As an amateur, Tszyu represented the Soviet Union, winning a bronze medal in the lightweight division at the 1989 World Championships, and gold in the light-welterweight division at the 1991 World Championships. He also won consecutive gold medals at the 1989 and 1991 European Championships.
In 1995, Tszyu won his first of many professional world championships at light-welterweight—the International Boxing Federation title—by defeating Jake Rodríguez. Five successful defences were made until an upset loss to Vince Phillips in 1997, which was Tszyu's first professional defeat. He would spend the next eight years undefeated, winning the vacant World Boxing Council title in 1999 and the World Boxing Association title in 2001. Tszyu scored arguably his most famous win that year, when he knocked out Zab Judah to reclaim the IBF title, as well as the vacant Ring (magazine)|Ring] magazine and lineal titles, thus becoming the first undisputed boxing champions#Light welterweight|undisputed light-welterweight champion] in over 30 years. In 2005, in what would be his final fight, Tszyu was stopped by Ricky Hatton.
Tszyu is considered by many in Australia to be a national sports hero. In The Ring's March 2010 issue, Tszyu was ranked as the number one light-welterweight of the 2000s decade. In December 2010, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for the Class of 2011. From 2012 to 2013 he coached professional boxers Alexander Povetkin, Denis Lebedev and Khabib Allakhverdiev. In 2023, his son Tim Tszyu won the World Boxing Organization junior-middleweight title.
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Early life

Tszyu was born in Serov, a town near the Ural Mountains, in the former Soviet Union to a father of Korean and Mongol descent and a Russian mother. Tszyu's father was a fitter in a metal factory, whereas his mother was a nurse.

Amateur career

As a child, Kostya was hyperactive, so his father decided to take him to a boxing gym, where he would channel that energy by fighting older boys. He impressed the Soviet amateur team coaches and he was sent to the Soviet Union's amateur boxing travelling training camps, where he visited more than 30 countries while training and fighting in tournaments. He trained with that group 250 days a year, and won various tournaments, such as amateur boxing's world championships. At the Cuban world championship tournament in 1987, he came in second place, and at the 1988 Summer Olympics, he lost in the third round.
Tszyu was a member of the Soviet Army, but since he was selected as an elite athlete, he was not required to serve the ordinary duty. He fought at the world championships once again, in Moscow in 1989, where he came in third place.
In 1991, he went again to the amateur world championships, this time held in Sydney. This was a trip that would change his life forever. Not only was the third time his charm, but he felt enchanted with the sights of Sydney and its people, and decided he wanted to live in Australia. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, early the next year, Tszyu emigrated to Australia with his girlfriend, where they married in 1993 and became Australian citizens, settling in Sans Souci, Sydney. Before marrying her, though, Tszyu had already turned professional, beating Darrell Hiles by a knockout in one round on 1 March 1992, at Melbourne.

Highlights

Schwerin Junior Open, Schwerin, East Germany, April 1986:
  • Finals: Lost to Jörg Heidenreich by unanimous decision, 5–0
European Junior Championships, Copenhagen, Denmark, September 1986:
  • 1/8: Defeated Manuel Moreno by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • 1/4: Defeated Santo Serio by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • 1/2: Defeated Daniel Dumitrescu by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • Finals: Defeated Fared Cheklat by unanimous decision, 5–0
Soviet International Junior Tournament, Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, December 1986:
  • Finals: Defeated Nikolay Dzhachvadze RSC 3
World Junior Championships, Havana, Cuba, July 1987:
  • 1/4: Defeated D. Boyev RSC 3
  • 1/2: Defeated Eduardo Rivas KO 2
  • Finals: Lost to Juan Hernández Sierra by majority decision, 1–4
Soviet International Tournament, Leningrad, Soviet Union, December 1987:
  • Finals: Defeated Serik Nurkazov by unanimous decision, 5–0
Soviet National Championships, Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, January 1988:
  • 1/16: Defeated Adylkan Bekbolotov by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • 1/8: Defeated Vladimir Kravtsov by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • 1/4: Defeated Serik Nurkazov by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • 1/2: Defeated Samson Khachatryan by unanimous decision, 5–0
  • Finals: Lost to Orzubek Nazarov by split decision, 2–3
USA–USSR Duals, Moscow, Soviet Union, March 1988:
  • Defeated Donald Stokes on points, 16–8
Pre-Olympic Tournament, Seoul, South Korea, March 1988:
Soviet International Tournament, Leningrad, Soviet Union, June 1988:
Summer Olympics, Seoul, South Korea, September 1988:
Soviet National Championships, Frunze, Kyrgyz SSR, January 1989:
Golden Belt Tournament, Bucharest, Romania, April 1989:
European Championships, Athens, Greece, May–June 1989:
World Championships, Moscow, Soviet Union, September 1989:
  • 1/8: Defeated Mark Ramsey on points, 22–3
  • 1/4: Defeated Bo Espensen RSCH 2
  • 1/2: Lost to Andreas Zülow on points, 14–17
Bulgaria–Europe Duals, Varna, Bulgaria, November 1989:
Mayor's Cup, Manila, Philippines, November 1989:
  • 1/4: Defeated Nelson Factoranan KO 1
  • 1/2: Defeated Andreas Otto by decision
  • Finals: Defeated Shannan Taylor by unanimous decision, 5–0
King's Cup, Bangkok, Thailand, February 1990:
USA–USSR Duals, Moscow, Soviet Union, April 1990:
Soviet National Championships, Lutsk, Ukrainian SSR, April 1990:
  • 1/2: Defeated Vasily Kirilov
  • Finals: Defeated Aleksandr Banin by decision
Goodwill Games, Seattle, Washington, July 1990:
Swedish International Tournament, Göteborg, Sweden, December 1990:
  • Finals: Defeated Sergey Pogosov RSC 3
Soviet National Championships, Kazan, Tatar SSR, February 1991:
  • 1/2: Defeated Vasily Kirilov
  • Finals: Defeated Oleg Nikolayev by unanimous decision, 5–0
USA–USSR Duals, Spokane, Washington, March 1991:
European Championships, Göteborg, Sweden, May 1991:
  • 1/16: Defeated James Pender on points, 21–0
  • 1/8: Defeated Darren McCarrick RSC 1
  • 1/4: Defeated Attila Arslan RSC 2
  • 1/2: Defeated Vukašin Dobrašinović on points, 26–6
  • Finals: Defeated Andreas Zülow on points, 33–11
World Championships, Sydney, Australia, November 1991:

1992 Olympics

He was the only Soviet boxer to win a gold medal at the 1991 World Championships in Sydney. Immediately at the Championships he was approached by local boxing promoters, deciding to pass up the 1992 Summer Olympics in favor of a professional career. A week later he signed with Australian promoter Bill Mordey as his manager and Johnny Lewis as his trainer in Sydney. Tszyu finished his amateur career with 270 fights, 259 wins, 11 losses, no stoppages and no draws. His professional debut was scheduled to take place in January 1992. Mordey described Tszyu as the best boxer he had seen in the past decade.

Professional career

Tszyu started raising his quality of opposition almost immediately. In his fourth professional bout, he met the former WBC Featherweight Champion Juan Laporte, decisioning him over ten rounds. In his sixth bout, he beat contender Sammy Fuentes by a knockout in the first. Fuentes would go on to win a world title years after being handily beaten by Tszyu in 1993, Steve Larrimore, Larry La Crousiere and Robert Rivera, went to Australia to fight Tszyu, and none lasted more than two rounds. The only man to last more than two rounds with Tszyu in 1993 was Livingstone Bramble, a former World Lightweight Champion, who lost by decision to Tszyu at Newcastle, New South Wales.
In 1994, Héctor López, Angel Hernandez, and Pedro Chinito Sanchez from the Dominican Republic tried to beat Tszyu, but Tszyu beat Lopez by a decision in ten, Hernandez by a knockout in seven, and Sanchez by a knockout in four. After the win against Sanchez, Tszyu was ranked number one in the light welterweight division.

WBC light-welterweight champion

In 1995, he received his first world title shot when he fought IBF Light Welterweight Champion Jake Rodríguez at Las Vegas, Nevada. Tszyu became world champion by knocking Rodriguez out in the sixth round. He then defended the world title, beating former Super Featherweight and Light Welterweight World Champion Roger Mayweather by a decision in 12, Hugo Pineda by a knockout in 11, Cory Johnson by a knockout in four and Jan Bergman by a knockout in six. After this string of defences, Tszyu became a highly touted world Champion by many boxing magazines, and many articles about him appeared on The Ring, KO Magazine and other American boxing publications.

Title defences

Tsyzu began 1997 with a title defense against Leonardo Moro Mas. Tsyzu knocked Mas down three times in the first round. Including a blow shortly before the bell. In a controversial decision, referee Joe Cortez judged that it was an "unintentional illegal blow", believing it to be shortly after the bell. As Mas was either unable or unwilling to continue, Cortez called the bout a technical draw. The IBF and the Nevada Athletic Commission later declared it a no-contest. In his next fight he would suffer his first loss, a 10th round knockout to Vince Phillips, who would claim the world title.
After beating former world champions Calvin Grove and Rafael Ruelas, Tszyu was given another world title try, when the WBC's belt became vacant in 1998 following Oscar De La Hoya's move to the welterweight division. Tszyu found himself twice on the canvas in round one of his fight for the interim belt against Diosbelys Hurtado, but recuperated to beat Hurtado by a knockout in five. He became world champion once again in 1999 by knocking out former world champion Miguel Ángel González in ten, and twice retained it in 2000, beating Arizona's fringe contender Ahmed Santos in eight, and a 38-year-old Mexican legend Julio César Chávez, the former world champion, in six at Phoenix, Arizona. Kostya was interviewed by Ray Wheatley on YouTube in 2011 and stated he regards his win over Miguel Angel Gonzalez as his best ever performance.

Undisputed light-welterweight champion

Tszyu then began pursuing his wish to unify all the belts. In 2001, he began by facing WBA Champion Sharmba Mitchell, taking the belt by a TKO after seven rounds. His next fight was against the German Turk, Oktay Urkal. Tszyu finished 2001 by recovering his IBF belt in a unification bout with the current champion Zab Judah, by a knockout in the second round. A small melee inside the ring followed that fight when Judah attacked referee Jay Nady for what he felt was a premature stoppage, reacting by throwing his corner's seat at the referee and even trying to choke Nady with his glove at one point. However, replays clearly show Judah walking on wobbly legs. As a result, Tszyu became the first man in 30 years to unify the belts in the light welterweight division.
Tszyu in 2002 had only one bout, beating the top-ranked contender of all three of his belts, Ben Tackie of Ghana by a decision in twelve rounds. Tszyu lost only one round on only one of the judges scorecards in a masterful display of boxing.
On 19 January 2003, Tszyu began the year by retaining his title against former world champion Jesse James Leija by a knockout in six. After the fight, held in Melbourne, Tszyu announced that fight could be his last in Australia, due to pressure from promoters to fight in the United States.

Tszyu vs. Mitchell II

His first fight in 2004 was supposed to have been held on 7 February in a rematch against Sharmba Mitchell. It would have been Tszyu's first fight as a professional in Moscow, but Tszyu injured his shoulder during training. He had successful surgery to correct the problem, but the injury further extended his absence from the ring. The WBA stripped Tszyu of his title for choosing to fight Mitchell instead of their regular champion, Vivian Harris, while the WBC stripped Tszyu for refusing to fight their mandatory, Gianluca Branco.
On 6 November, he and Mitchell finally had their rematch, with Tszyu knocking Mitchell out once again, this time in three rounds. Tszyu was voted comeback fighter of the year by Ring magazine.

Dethroned by Hatton

He next fought on 5 June 2005, against British boxer Ricky Hatton, Tszyu lost this fight and his world title after retiring on his stool at the end of the 11th round. He was also behind on all three cards.

Potential comeback

On 30 January 2007 rumours spread of a Tszyu comeback. However, there was no confirmation. In April 2010, rumours about a possible comeback of Tszyu spread again. He continued to train and stayed in shape since his 2005 loss to Ricky Hatton. On 19 April 2010, Tszyu appeared on Long Lunch Today, an Australian TV program. During the show, he denied his retirement and said he would return if a fight with Shane Mosley, Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be made.

Personal life

Tszyu married Natasha Anikina on 24 September 1993. He has three children; Anastasia, Nikita and Tim. Nikita and Tim are both boxers. Tszyu initially moved with his family to Moscow in 2008, but they returned to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In September 2012, Tszyu left his family in Australia while he moved full-time to live in Russia. Tszyu is now married to Tatiana Averina, with whom he has two children, and runs a restaurant in Moscow.
Tszyu is an animal lover who owns several pets including Viking, a rottweiler who has been Tszyu's companion since he arrived in Australia; Jake, his pet diamond python; canaries and fish. Tszyu appeared with the animals on the pet show Harry's Practice in 2002.

Legal disputes

Tszyu has been in several court battles with his managers. Most recently, his ex-manager Susie Bennell took him to court, alleging Tszyu owed her money. Tszyu was also ordered to repay $3.5 million to his former manager Bill Mordey in an unrelated civil suit. In journalist Paul Kent's biography of long time trainer Johnny Lewis, allegations were made that Tszyu had underpaid Lewis for his services. The dispute was settled out of court.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
34LossRicky HattonRTD11, 3:004 Jun 2005MEN Arena, Manchester, EnglandLost IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles
33Win31–1 Sharmba MitchellTKO3, 2:486 Nov 2004Glendale Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, USRetained IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles
32Win30–1 Jesse James LeijaRTD6, 3:0019 Jan 2003Telstra Dome, Melbourne, AustraliaRetained WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring light-welterweight titles
31Win29–1 Ben TackieUD1218 May 2002Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, USRetained WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring light-welterweight titles
30Win28–1 Zab JudahTKO2, 2:593 Nov 2001MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, USRetained WBA and WBC light-welterweight titles;
Won IBF and vacant list of The [Ring world champions#Junior welterweight|The Ring light-welterweight titles]
29Win27–1 Oktay UrkalUD1223 Jun 2001Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, USRetained WBA and WBC light-welterweight titles
28Win26–1 Sharmba MitchellRTD7, 3:003 Feb 2001Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, USRetained WBC light-welterweight title;
Won WBA (Super) light-welterweight title
27Win25–1 Julio César ChávezTKO6, 1:2829 Jul 2000Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, USRetained WBC light-welterweight title
26Win24–1 Ahmed SantosTKO8, 0:3612 Feb 2000Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, USRetained WBC light-welterweight title
25Win23–1 Miguel Angel GonzalezTKO10, 0:4821 Aug 1999Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, USWon vacant WBC light-welterweight title
24Win22–1 Diosbelys HurtadoTKO5, 2:3528 Nov 1998Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, USWon WBC interim light-welterweight title
23Win21–1 Rafael RuelasTKO9, 0:2115 Aug 1998County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, US
22Win20–1 Calvin GroveKO1, 2:595 Apr 1998Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
21Win19–1 Ismael Armando ChavesTKO3, 2:206 Dec 1997Stockland Stadium, Townsville, Australia
20Loss18–1 Vince PhillipsTKO10, 1:2231 May 1997Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USLost IBF light-welterweight title
1918–0 Leonardo Mas1, 3:00Oscar [De La Hoya vs. Miguel Ángel González|18 Jan 1997]Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, USIBF light-welterweight title at stake;
Originally a TD after Mas sustained a fractured jaw from an accidental foul, later ruled an NC
18Win18–0Jan Piet BergmanKO6, 1:2314 Sep 1996Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, AustraliaRetained IBF light-welterweight title
17Win17–0Corey JohnsonKO4, 1:2124 May 1996Entertainment Centre, Sydney, AustraliaRetained IBF light-welterweight title
16Win16–0Hugo PinedaTKO11, 2:3820 Jan 1996Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, AustraliaRetained IBF light-welterweight title
15Win15–0Roger MayweatherUD1225 Jun 1995Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, AustraliaRetained IBF light-welterweight title
14Win14–0Jake RodríguezTKO6, 1:5028 Jan 1995MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, USWon IBF light-welterweight title
13Win13–0Pedro SanchezTKO4 29 Aug 1994Flinders Park, Melbourne, Australia
12Win12–0Angel Hernandez7, 3:002 May 1994Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
11Win11–0Hector LopezUD1011 Jan 1994Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, US
10Win10–0Livingstone BrambleUD1023 Aug 1993Newcastle, Australia
9Win9–0Robert RiveraKO1, 1:2718 Jun 1993Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
8Win8–0Larry LaCoursiereTKO1 14 May 1993Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia
7Win7–0Steve LarrimoreTKO2, 1:5630 Jan 1993The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, US
6Win6–0Sammy FuentesTKO1, 0:5413 Nov 1992Festival Hall, Melbourne, Australia
5Win5–0Daniel Ricardo CusatoTKO7 11 Sep 1992Sydney, Australia
4Win4–0Juan Laporte1023 Jul 1992Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia
3Win3–0Tony JonesTKO2, 0:157 May 1992Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia
2Win2–0Nedrick Simmons1, 1:582 Apr 1992Sydney, Australia
1Win1–0Darrell Hiles1, 1:101 Mar 1992Princes Park, Melbourne, Australia

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

''The Ring'' magazine titles

Interim world titles

Undisputed titles

Honorary titles