Search

Anniversary adds to moment for next Tszyu

Flooding in Brisbane has forced Nikita Tszyu's professional boxing debut to be moved a second time.

Brisbane's floods won't stop Nikita Tszyu from continuing the family legacy, set to begin his professional boxing career almost 30 years to the day since father Kostya first stepped into the ring.

The 24-year-old was set to fight Townsville's Aaron Stahl on Wednesday night at the Brisbane Convention Centre, only for the bout to be delayed 24 hours and then shifted twice.

They will face off at Nissan Arena - home to the Brisbane Bullets and Queensland Firebirds in the NBL and Super Netball respectively - after promoters had earlier flagged the Fortitude Music Hall for the bout.

Dennis Hogan and Wade Ryan will also feature in an IBO super welterweight title eliminator as part of a hefty undercard.

The younger brother of world title contender Tim, Nikita has shelved life as an architect to join the family business that officially commenced when Kostya fought Darrell Hiles on March 1, 1992.

He's managed by Glen Jennings, who was in Kostya's corner when he dominated the light-welterweight division in the early 2000s.

"It's just so exciting. It's also a privilege. It was 30 years ago (when) Kostya made his pro debut here in Australia, and here we are sitting with his youngest boy Nikita," Jennings said.

"It's a bit of history here and everyone should embrace that. It's very fortunate for the Australian boxing community to have that luxury three times over - to watch the Tszyu family perform.

"For those generations that didn't see Kostya and are now watching Tim, enjoy this next process because this young man is going to go all the way."

Nikita believes he can handle the pressure that comes with his surname, against an opponent that's had two wins and a draw in three professional appearances.

"There's a big shadow for me to break out of," he said.

"But that kind of pressure, I live for it. It keeps me focused, it keeps me sharp, it keeps my mind clear."

Hogan (29-4-1) will meet Ryan (20-9) as he attempts to rekindle his world title hopes that were dashed in a controversial loss to Jaime Munguia three years ago.

"This is it. I've gone all in on this. I've just trained so hard ... this has been my best camp since Jaime Munguia," Hogan said.

"I've got a bone to pick with the boxing world after winning the world title and not getting in ... I'm going to do whatever it takes to win (a belt). I'm like a man possessed to do that."

Liam Wilson will also look to revive his prospects in a rematch with WBO's sixth-ranked super featherweight talent Joe Noynay.

The Filipino talent was far too good when the pair met in Newcastle on the Tim Tszyu-Stevie Spark undercard last year, Wilson's first loss stunting what was a promising ascension.

today's racing

Error occured
{{disciplineGroup.DisciplineFullText}}
{{course.CountryName || course.Country}}