This is Fox Sports Australia’s combat sports column Fighting Words, where we give you all the latest news and views in MMA and boxing, from Australia and abroad.
Australia’s Tim Tszyu has taken aim at suggestions he’s secretly sparring younger brother Nikita — and getting his “ass whooped” — in preparation for a hyped showdown with US superstar Errol Spence Jnr.
The declaration comes as Tszyu has also confirmed his shock new role in an upcoming Australian movie, while also revealing how new coach Pedro Diaz has overhauled the fight style that rendered him a “sitting duck” against Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Only days after jetting back into Sydney for his Easter Sunday showdown against Denis Nurja, Tszyu has hit back at a bizarre tirade from retired American great Tim Bradley.
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While the Spence showdown has yet to be officially confirmed, Tszyu has already begun sparring southpaws in preparation and told Fox Sports Australia only last week he even considered a leftie for his impending ‘warm up’ fight on Sunday week.
Speaking around the same time on his growing YouTube channel, Bradley surprisingly took the big stick to Tszyu, branding the former world champ “done”, then set to be KO’d by Spence, before even suggesting he’s getting beat up in sparring by his younger brother.
Bradley said Nikita, a southpaw, had now surpassed ‘The Phoenix’ as a fighter, saying of Nikita in their supposed sparring sessions: “He been whoppin’ his arse. I know he do. I know he be whoopin’ his ass in the gym, for real … but they don’t be talkin’ about it.”
Asked about Bradley’s comments on Wednesday, a clearly surprised Tszyu replied: “I haven’t heard anything … what has he said?”
So we told him.
“Oh, my God,” Tszyu laughed. “Is that what you think Tim Bradley? Really? OK, go ask Nikita. Go ask him and you’ll get your answer … get the f*** outta here.”
How new training regime changed Tszyu | 07:46
Tszyu went on to say he has never met the retired champ and has no idea what’s driving the clearly personal accusation.
Certainly, Bradley is no stranger to fight fans, having held multiple world titles and famously fought Manny Pacquiao in a hyped trilogy – winning a contentious 2012 split decision before losing the next two.
“But what I will say about Tim Bradley is that I watched those fights,” Tszyu grinned. “All of them. And I remember Manny Pacquiao whoppin’ him.
“I’ve always thought Manny won those fights. So even Bradley’s greatest victory … it really is a Pacquiao win.”
‘I WAS A SITTING DUCK’
While the Tszyu boys may not be sparring together, both Tim and Nikita held overlapping sessions at the family’s famed Rockdale gym on Wednesday afternoon.
Initially, Tim Tszyu had suggested he would be finalising his Easter Sunday camp in a gym closer to his home in Sydney’s Shire, with some suggesting the switch had to do with his ongoing legal battle with former manager Glen Jennings.
However, Tszyu said on Wednesday he was now back working out of the family gym for one simple reason — it’s closer to the hotel where coach Diaz and the rest of his new team are staying.
Quizzed on the changes being made to his style under the Cuban master, Tszyu said: “Looking back on my old sparring sessions back in the day, bro, I used to be a sitting duck. A sitting duck.
“So when you get a sniper like Murtazaliev, I was just there …”
Bakhram Murtazaliev walks to the corner after knocking down Tim Tszyu at Caribe Royale Orlando on October 19, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.Source: AFP
And why?
“I got too comfortable,” Tszyu continued. “You see me in my young days, I was a slick boxer. I was moving, had footwork, a nice one-two.
“But then I got into a different mode. Against Dennis Hogan, against Jeff Horn I just thought ‘ah, I’ll start bullying everyone’.
“[Laughs] I thought I was Artur Beterbiev.
“In training, I’d skip for 15 minutes, do some shadow boxing, hit pads, smash it out on the bag, gas myself, and then do heaps of sparring. But now I’m doing footwork, doing head drills, doing bag, doing reactions, working on mental skills … it’s a new perspective and I’m embracing that.”
‘HOLLYWOOD’ TSZYU TO PLAY DAD IN MOVIE
Still on Tszyu, and the 31-year-old has offered to pay Fighting Words an agency fee after being hired to play Hall of Fame father, Kostya, in an upcoming movie about iconic Australian boxer, Jeff Fenech.
Only a week after revealing in this column he would take the role if asked, The Phoenix has been signed on by director Matt Norman to a cast already including the likes of Aussie actors Gary Sweet, Daniel Amalm and Nicky Whelan.
“So it’s happening,” Tszyu confirmed with a grin. “And I can’t wait. Because while you only live one life, you’ve gotta live it a thousand different ways. And that’s exactly what I want to do. [Laughs] So any more opportunities, let’s bring them out.”
The film is set to feature an eclectic mix of Australian fight types, including former IBF super featherweight champ Gairy St Clair, Charlie Kazzi and Main Event’s own Ben Damon. It’s understood Amalm is already so devoted to the lead role of Fenech, he’s begun training regularly with longtime Australian fight favourite Nader Hamdan.
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OPETAIA SET TO BE STRIPPED AGAIN
Only days after being sensationally stripped of his IBF title, Jai Opetaia is suddenly in danger of taking another hit – this time, his coveted Ring Magazine strap.
Despite having risen up to become one of the planet’s most dangerous men, Opetaia could soon be without either of the straps he’s defended for two years following a hyped move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing stable.
While Opetaia reportedly earned $1.5 million for his inaugural Zuffa title win over American Brandon Glanton this month, the big punching Aussie has since been controversially stripped of his IBF crown.
And now there are reports from the likes of US journalist Dan Canobbio suggesting his Ring belt could be next. According to Ring rulings, Canobbio wrote this week, a champion can be stripped if they fail to fight a top five contender within two years — with Opetaia’s last being Mairis Briedis in May 2024.
FUNDORA’S BIG SPENCE PREDICTION
Sebastian Fundora has declared himself keen for a showdown with Errol Spence Jnr – but fears Tim Tszyu will go beat the American great first.
Returning to the ring for the first time since stopping Tszyu last July, Fundora is now readying to make his third WBC title defence in Sunday’s showdown against Keith Thurman – which will be shown live on Main Event and Kayo Sports.
Asked how he would like to fight following a victory against Thurman, The Towering Inferno suggested “Spence is coming back, that’s a fight I’d want”, before tipping Tszyu to get the upset should the pair square off first.
Tim Tszyu in action against Sebastian Fundora last year.Source: News Corp Australia
“With Tim and these past losses, there’s questions there,” Fundora started. “There’s questions there about what he’s going to do with another top level fighter.
“He did have his win in December but it wasn’t at that level.
“But then with Spence, he’s been out three years. That’s a bigger red flag for me. So I favor Tsyzu.
“Even though he had those losses, he still has the momentum of fighting, being comfortable in the ring, and being on that big stage where Spence hasn’t been since the Crawford fight.”
BIG NASTY’S QUICK TURNAROUND
He may only be one fight into his new life as Australia’s new crossover sensation, but Nelson Asofa-Solomona is quietly readying for the prospect of throwing down against Jarrod Wallace and George Burgess within consecutive months. Should Big Nasty win his Easter Sunday rematch against Wallace, this column understands his team has already discussed turning the 130kg puncher around quickly against Burgess, and on whichever No Limit card comes next. It’s understood Nikita Tszyu is also now keen to fight following his January debacle against Michael Zerafa, and looked in strong shape when training around the same time as his brother’s open workouts on Wednesday.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 16: Nelson Asofa-Solomona walks into the ring ahead of Heavyweight bout against Jeremy Latimore during their Heavyweight bout at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on January 16, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Asked how the next few months might look for himself, NAS said this week: “I want to fight as often as possible, keep the momentum going. Momentum is the best thing for a fighter and I’m trying to live by that.
“Of course, that also involves not taking too much punishment so we’ll take it a fight at a time. But I just want to be an entertainer, bro. That’s the world I live in now.”
ADESANYA: ‘I’M GOING TO TAKE IT ALL’
Israel Adesanya has declared himself ready to go on one more lucrative UFC run, declaring: “I still have a lot left on the table … and I’m going to take it all.”
Speaking from camp in Seattle this week, Adesanya has also backed Alex Pereira for heavyweight gold, questioned Colby Covington’s personal call outs and explained why he now “f***ing loves” Robert Whittaker.
While long been ranked among the UFC’s biggest stars, Adesanya faces American Joe Pyfer this Sunday on a run of outs now stretching three fights against Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov.
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Israel Adesanya.Source: Getty Images
Quizzed on what is still getting him out of bed given everything already achieved, and earned, Adesanya laughed: “More money.
“That’s always good.
“But for me, it really is about doing what I love doing, and while I can still do it. Because time waits for no man. And my time is running out.”
Only recently, Adesanya made headlines after commenting on Dana White’s $15 million signing of UK boxer Conor Benn — and for just one fight — to his new Zuffa franchise.
Speaking on his FREESTYLEBENDER Youtube channel, Adesanya said of the deal: “Do I feel jaded by it? No.
“I understand and know these guys are top class boxers. Best in the world at what they do.
“But so are we. This is the UFC. And if one guy can command that kind of money from one fight … this is what’s keeping the lights on, the UFC.
“We love ultimate fighting, not limited fighting. I don’t feel jaded by it, but f*** it, I want $15 million for one fight too.”
Asked by Fighting Words this week if, throughout his UFC career, he has been adequately compensated for his services, Adesanya said: “Everyone believes they deserve more. But I still have a lot left on the table and I’m going to take it all.”
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IZZY TIPS NEW CHAMP
Elsewhere, Adesanya was also asked if longtime rival Pereira can go all the way to the UFC heavyweight title, starting with his interim title showcase against Ciryl Gane on the White House lawn in June.
“I hope so,” the New Zealander said. “And I think he has the tools and the capabilities to do it. To make history. That would be cool to see.”
Adesanya has also spent part of this camp training with another longtime rival in Whittaker, and says the pair are actually incredibly similar.
“We’re both nerds,” he said. “We like gaming, watching anime, love our families … we’re two nerds who are bad asses”.
Soon after, he continued of Bobby Knuckles: “I f***ing love that guy.
“He’s such a good human. Not only a great athlete, or one of the best ever, but just a good human to train with. And having him in the room lifted my spirits. It’s just what I needed to get to the finish line of this camp. Having Bobby Knuckles in there pushing me. And me pushing him as he begins his new chapter at 205. I highly respect that man.”
But as for the recent call outs directed his way by Covington?
“Recently? Really,” Adesanya shrugged. “That’s gone over my head. I don’t really follow as much MMA media these days. It doesn’t register in my world.”
BROCK LESNAR’S HILARIOUS TATTOO CONFESSION
Former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar has revealed he doesn’t even remember getting his infamous chest tattoo – because he was completely drunk at the time.
“I got that tattoo, I was s**t-faced drunk in Scottsdale, Ariz.,” Lesnar said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.
“I was in Scottsdale training for the NFL, had just gotten in a motorcycle accident. I was in a bad place and going through all that stuff.
“There was a tattoo shop across the street from the biker bar – and that’s not a good place to have a tattoo shop.
Brock Lesnar and his infamous chest tattoo.Source: AFP
“I got this tattoo, I didn’t even know I got the damn thing. I woke up the next day and thought, ‘What in the [hell] is this thing?’”
Despite the bizarre yarn behind one of the most recognisable tattoos in combat sports, Lesnar admits there’s no one else to blame.
“No planning whatsoever,” he said. “It was half a gallon of vodka and maybe a few Vicodin.”
KIWI KO ARTIST EYES BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE
Hyped Kiwi light heavyweight Navajo Stirling is set to face the biggest test of his UFC career this weekend, squaring off against Brazil’s Bruno Lopes at UFC Fight Night in Seattle – and there’s growing belief he could be the division’s next breakout star.
Stirling has long drawn comparisons to his City Kickboxing teammate Israel Adesanya, who headlines the card against Joe Pyfer on Sunday (AEST), and now has the chance to make a big statement on the same stage.
The Auckland product has made no secret of his plans, declaring 2026 as the year he plans to announce himself – and it starts with Lopes.
Navajo Stirling, right, takes Ivan Erslan, left, to the mat during their UFC 315 bout last year.Source: AP
“I’m looking to run straight through this guy and get straight back in there,” he told this column. “I have my eye on a few guys that I’ll probably call out after the fight. And yeah, I’m looking to break into that top 15 this year.
“I believe I’m the best prospect in the division. And soon I believe I’ll be a contender.”
Stirling’s confidence is backed by the fact that he still hasn’t suffered a defeat in MMA.
“The last time I lost a fight was when I was 21 in kickboxing, and I still remember the pain from that loss,” he said.
“I hate losing. I hate it so much.”
It’s safe to say that Stirling isn’t interested in leaving the result in the judges’ hands this weekend.
“I’m coming for the knockout – I’m going to break him down and then put him away.”
‘HANDLED BY ROUND 8’: TSZYU BACKED TO ROLL NURJA
There’s always a bit of curiosity when an unknown name gets thrown into the spotlight – and that’s exactly the deal with Denis Nurja ahead of his Easter Sunday showdown with Tim Tszyu.
And according to one bloke who has shared the ring with him, the answer may not be particularly encouraging.
A former opponent of Nurja, Kiryl Samadurau, doesn’t believe Nurja will put the Aussie in too much danger.
“Tim’s on another level,” he told us this week. “He’s boxed with some good fighters – I think Tszyu will handle him by round 8.”
SILVA TAKES AIM AT ‘OLD MAN’ VOLK
Brazilian powerhouse Jean Silva has taken a bold swipe at Alex Volkanovski, declaring he’d walk away from MMA altogether if the Windang Warrior beat him in a fight.
Volk has made it pretty clear he wants his next title defence to come against the division’s No.1 contender – but that stance hasn’t gone down well with Silva, who is pushing hard for a shot.
“Right now, honestly, I don’t want to bad mouth him or anything, but he looks like an old man running around,” Silva said on The Ariel Helwani Show via a translator.
“I know age is gonna come for all of us – it just hasn’t come for me yet. I’m here for him… let’s stop all the BS and be real about it.
UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski . Picture: instagramSource: Supplied Source Known
“Let’s go in, let’s exchange some strikes, and I’ll say more – if Volkanovski wins, I’ll leave the UFC.”
Silva doubled down on the challenge, saying he’d love the chance to stop ‘The Great’ from eclipsing Joe Aldo’s record for the most title wins at featherweight.