Kostya Tszyu
Kostya Tszyu Костя Цзю | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Born | Konstantin Borisovich Tszyu 19 September 1969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nationality |
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Other names | Thunder from Down Under | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statistics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight(s) | Light-welterweight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reach | 67 in (170 cm)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stance | Orthodox | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boxing record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total fights | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wins | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wins by KO | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Losses | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No contests | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Konstantin Borisovich "Kostya" Tszyu (
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
Tszyu is considered by many in Australia to be a national sports hero.
Early life
Tszyu was born in Serov, a town near the Ural Mountains, in the former Soviet Union to a Korean (paternal)–Mongol (maternal) father and a Russian mother. Tszyu's father was a fitter in a metal factory, whereas his mother was a nurse.[5]
Amateur career
As a child, Kostya was
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
Highlights
Schwerin Junior Open (57 kg), Schwerin, East Germany, April 1986:
European Junior Championships (57 kg), Copenhagen, Denmark , September 1986:
Soviet International Junior Tournament (60 kg), Georgian SSR , December 1986:
World Junior Championships (60 kg), Havana, Cuba , July 1987:
Soviet International Tournament (60 kg), Leningrad, Soviet Union , December 1987:
Soviet National Championships (60 kg), Uzbek SSR , January 1988:
USA–USSR Duals (60 kg), Moscow, Soviet Union , March 1988:
Pre-Olympic Tournament (60 kg), Seoul, South Korea , March 1988:
Soviet International Tournament (60 kg), Leningrad, Soviet Union , June 1988:
Summer Olympics (60 kg), Seoul, South Korea , September 1988:
Soviet National Championships (60 kg), Kyrgyz SSR , January 1989:
Golden Belt Tournament (60 kg), Bucharest, Romania , April 1989:
European Championships (60 kg), Athens, Greece , May–June 1989:
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World Championships (60 kg), Moscow, Soviet Union , September 1989:
Bulgaria–Europe Duals (60 kg), Varna, Bulgaria, November 1989:
Mayor's Cup (63,5 kg), Manila, Philippines , November 1989:
King's Cup (63,5 kg), Bangkok, Thailand , February 1990:
USA–USSR Duals (63,5 kg), Moscow, Soviet Union , April 1990:
Soviet National Championships (63,5 kg), Ukrainian SSR , April 1990:
Goodwill Games (63,5 kg), Seattle, Washington , July 1990:
Swedish International Tournament (67 kg), Göteborg, Sweden , December 1990:
Soviet National Championships (63,5 kg), Kazan, Tatar SSR, February 1991:
USA–USSR Duals (63,5 kg), Spokane, Washington, March 1991:
European Championships (63,5 kg), Göteborg, Sweden , May 1991:
World Championships (63,5 kg), Sydney, Australia , November 1991:
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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
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,
WBC light-welterweight champion
In 1995, he received his first world title shot when he fought
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
After beating former world champions Calvin Grove (KO 1) and Rafael Ruelas (KO 9), 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 (Mitchell suffered a knee injury in training, and during the bout). 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
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.[10][11]
On 6 November, he and Mitchell finally had their
Dethroned by Hatton
He next fought on 5 June 2005, against British boxer
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.[12] 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.[13]
Personal life
Tszyu married Natasha Anikina on 24 September 1993.[14] He has three children; Anastasia, Nikita and Tim. Nikita and Tim are both boxers.[15] Tszyu initially moved with his family to Moscow in 2008, but they returned to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[16] In September 2012, Tszyu left his family in Australia while he moved full-time to live in Russia.[17] Tszyu is now married to Tatiana Averina, with whom he has two children, and runs a restaurant in Moscow.[18]
Tszyu is an animal lover who owns several pets including Viking, a
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.[19] 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
34 fights | 31 wins | 2 losses |
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By knockout | 25 | 2 |
By decision | 6 | 0 |
No contests | 1 |
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
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34 | Loss | 31–2 (1) | Ricky Hatton | RTD | 11 (12), 3:00 | 4 Jun 2005
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MEN Arena, Manchester , England
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Lost IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles |
33 | Win | 31–1 (1) | Sharmba Mitchell | TKO | 3 (12), 2:48 | 6 Nov 2004 | Glendale Arena , Phoenix, Arizona, US
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Retained IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles |
32 | Win | 30–1 (1) | Jesse James Leija | RTD | 6 (12), 3:00 | 19 Jan 2003 | Telstra Dome , Melbourne, Australia
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Retained WBA (Unified), WBC, IBF, and The Ring light-welterweight titles |
31 | Win | 29–1 (1) | Ben Tackie | UD | 12 | 18 May 2002 | Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring light-welterweight titles |
30 | Win | 28–1 (1) | Zab Judah | TKO | 2 (12), 2:59 | 3 Nov 2001 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US | Retained WBA (Super) and WBC light-welterweight titles; Won IBF and vacant The Ring light-welterweight titles |
29 | Win | 27–1 (1) | Oktay Urkal | UD | 12 | 23 Jun 2001 | Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, US | Retained WBA (Super) and WBC light-welterweight titles |
28 | Win | 26–1 (1) | Sharmba Mitchell | RTD | 7 (12), 3:00 | 3 Feb 2001 | Mandalay Bay Events Center , Paradise, Nevada, US
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Retained WBC light-welterweight title; Won WBA (Super) light-welterweight title |
27 | Win | 25–1 (1) | Julio César Chávez | TKO | 6 (12), 1:28 | 29 Jul 2000 | Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, US | Retained WBC light-welterweight title |
26 | Win | 24–1 (1) | Ahmed Santos | TKO | 8 (12), 0:36 | 12 Feb 2000 | Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, US | Retained WBC light-welterweight title |
25 | Win | 23–1 (1) | Miguel Angel Gonzalez | TKO | 10 (12), 0:48 | 21 Aug 1999 | Miami, Florida , US
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Won vacant WBC light-welterweight title |
24 | Win | 22–1 (1) | Diosbelys Hurtado | TKO | 5 (12), 2:35 | 28 Nov 1998 | Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, US | Won WBC interim light-welterweight title |
23 | Win | 21–1 (1) | Rafael Ruelas | TKO | 9 (12), 0:21 | 15 Aug 1998 | County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, US | |
22 | Win | 20–1 (1) | Calvin Grove | KO | 1 (10), 2:59 | 5 Apr 1998 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | |
21 | Win | 19–1 (1) | Ismael Armando Chaves | TKO | 3 (12), 2:20 | 6 Dec 1997 | Stockland Stadium, Townsville , Australia
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20 | Loss | 18–1 (1) | Vince Phillips | TKO | 10 (12), 1:22 | 31 May 1997 | Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey , US
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Lost IBF light-welterweight title |
19 | NC | 18–0 (1) | Leonardo Mas | TD | 1 (12), 3:00 | 18 Jan 1997 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, US | IBF light-welterweight title at stake; Originally a TD after Mas sustained a fractured jaw from an accidental foul, later ruled an NC |
18 | Win | 18–0 | Jan Piet Bergman | KO | 6 (12), 1:23 | 14 Sep 1996 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | Retained IBF light-welterweight title |
17 | Win | 17–0 | Corey Johnson | KO | 4 (12), 1:21 | 24 May 1996 | Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia | Retained IBF light-welterweight title |
16 | Win | 16–0 | Hugo Pineda | TKO | 11 (12), 2:38 | 20 Jan 1996 | Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, Australia | Retained IBF light-welterweight title |
15 | Win | 15–0 | Roger Mayweather | UD | 12 | 25 Jun 1995 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | Retained IBF light-welterweight title |
14 | Win | 14–0 | Jake Rodríguez | TKO | 6 (12), 1:50 | 28 Jan 1995 | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US | Won IBF light-welterweight title |
13 | Win | 13–0 | Pedro Sanchez | TKO | 4 (10) | 29 Aug 1994 | Flinders Park , Melbourne, Australia
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12 | Win | 12–0 | Angel Hernandez | RTD | 7 (10), 3:00 | 2 May 1994 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | |
11 | Win | 11–0 | Hector Lopez | UD | 10 | 11 Jan 1994 | Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, US | |
10 | Win | 10–0 | Livingstone Bramble | UD | 10 | 23 Aug 1993 | Newcastle, Australia | |
9 | Win | 9–0 | Robert Rivera | KO | 1 (10), 1:27 | 18 Jun 1993 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | |
8 | Win | 8–0 | Larry LaCoursiere | TKO | 1 (10) | 14 May 1993 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | |
7 | Win | 7–0 | Steve Larrimore | TKO | 2 (10), 1:56 | 30 Jan 1993 | The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, US | |
6 | Win | 6–0 | Sammy Fuentes | TKO | 1 (10), 0:54 | 13 Nov 1992 | Festival Hall, Melbourne, Australia | |
5 | Win | 5–0 | Daniel Ricardo Cusato | TKO | 7 (10) | 11 Sep 1992 | Sydney, Australia | |
4 | Win | 4–0 | Juan Laporte | UD | 10 | 23 Jul 1992 | Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia | |
3 | Win | 3–0 | Tony Jones | TKO | 2 (10), 0:15 | 7 May 1992 | Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia | |
2 | Win | 2–0 | Nedrick Simmons | KO | 1 (8), 1:58 | 2 Apr 1992 | Sydney, Australia | |
1 | Win | 1–0 | Darrell Hiles | TKO | 1 (8), 1:10 | 1 Mar 1992 | Princes Park, Melbourne, Australia |
Video albums
Title | Details | Certification |
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Destiny |
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References
- ^ a b Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Ricky Hatton fight.
- ^ Ricky Hatton recalls Kostya Tszyu battle 10 years later – Ring TV. Ringtv.craveonline.com (2015-06-03). Retrieved on 2016-06-03.
- ^ Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu. Victoria Warehouse (2015-06-09). Retrieved on 2016-06-03.
- ^ Костя Дзю начнет работать с Александром Поветкиным Archived 3 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine. 46tv.ru (5 June 2013)
- ^ ЦЗЮ (in Russian). RODSTVO.RU (Russian Genealogical Tree). Archived from the original on 27 October 2007. Retrieved 1 January 2004.
- ISBN 0-7333-1592-5.
- ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Kostya Tszyu". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020.
- ^ Boxing: Tszyu to Australia. The New York Times, 29 November 1991, p. 12.
- ^ "On This Day: Oscar De La Hoya tops star-studded bill with support from Kostya Tszyu and Floyd Mayweather". Boxing News Online. 18 January 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ "Tszyu stripped of WBA title". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 June 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ "Tszyu doesn't care for Mitchell's tactics". The Age. 6 November 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ^ Vester, Mark (20 April 2010). "Kostya Tszyu Talks Ring Return, Darchinyan, More". BoxingScene.com.
- ^ Vester, Mark (21 April 2010). "Tszyu Delusional, Would Return For Pacquiao, Mayweather". BoxingScene.com.
- ISBN 0-7333-1592-5.
- ^ "Like father, like sons: Tim and Nikita Tszyu to chase boxing dream". 11 July 2016.
- ^ Tiernan, Eamonn (26 August 2020). "'We argued a lot': The bitter reason Kostya Tszyu won't attend his son's mega fight". 7NEWS. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
- ^ Tszyu leaves Australia. Fightbeat.com. Retrieved on 2016-06-03.
- ^ "Why Kostya Tszyu won't be ringside for Tim Tszyu-Dennis Hogan fight". 30 March 2021.
- ^ Tszyu's cash fight. ninemsn.com.au (16 March 2007)
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2002 DVDs" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
External links
- Boxing record for Kostya Tszyu from BoxRec (registration required)
- Kostya Tszyu at IMDb
- Konstantin Tszyu Partial Record (Amateur Boxing Results)
Sporting positions | ||||
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World boxing titles | ||||
Preceded by | IBF light-welterweight champion 28 January 1995 – 31 May 1997 |
Succeeded by | ||
New title | Interim title 28 November 1998 – 21 August 1999 Won full title |
Vacant Title next held by Lucas Matthysse
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Vacant Title last held by Oscar De La Hoya
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WBC light-welterweight champion 21 August 1999 – 9 October 2003 Stripped |
Vacant Title next held by Arturo Gatti
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New title Unified against Sharmba Mitchell
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Super title 3 February 2001 – 16 June 2004 Stripped Status changed to Unified champion from August 5, 2002 Status changed to Undisputed champion from July 2003 |
Vacant Title next held by Ricky Hatton
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Preceded by | IBF light welterweight champion 3 November 2001 – 4 June 2005
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Succeeded by Ricky Hatton
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Vacant Title last held by Aaron Pryor
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The Ring light-welterweight champion 3 November 2001 – 4 June 2005 | |||
Vacant Title last held by Takeshi Fuji
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Undisputed light-welterweight champion 3 November 2001 – 9 October 2003 Titles fragmented |
Vacant Title next held by Terence Crawford
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Awards | ||||
Previous: Vince Phillips |
The Ring Comeback of the Year 1998 |
Next: Michael Carbajal |