Rising Aussie boxer Nikita Tszyu has locked in an American professional debut, while another homegrown pugilist is also on the verge of a monster international fight.
Tszyu, the younger brother of former world champion Tim, will fight on the undercard of a cruiserweight world title bout in Arizona on Sunday, December 6 (AEDT).
Nikita Tszyu in action against Ben Mahoney. Getty
An opponent has not yet been announced for the 28-year-old Sydneysider but his promoters No Limit revealed the news on Friday morning.
Tszyu is undefeated through 12 professional fights, although his most recent bout ended in controversy when many believed he lost to Ben Mahoney.
There was uproar when the judges’ scorecards were split, resulting in a draw, despite Tszyu himself admitting Mahoney probably won the fight.
That was supposed to be a world title eliminator, but rather than seek a rematch with fellow Aussie fighter Mahoney, Tszyu will head to the states to make his overseas professional debut.
He will fight on the undercard of David Benavidez vs Michael Cieslak, the cruiserweight clash that could have implications for Aussie champion Jai Opetaia next year.
For Tszyu, the trip to Arizona will be a family fairytale of sorts. He will fight at the same venue where his famous father Kostya scored the last win of his career, stopping Sharmba Mitchell in 2004 as six-year-old Nikita watched on from back home in Sydney.
He will be hoping to enjoy the American venture more than older brother Tim has in recent years.
Tim, 31, has won just one of his four fights in the states, and lost his world titles to Sebastian Fundora in a devastating maiden defeat in Las Vegas in March 2024.
Nikita has fought as an amateur in America three times, but never on a pro card.
“I haven’t felt like this in a while. There’s something about being in a foreign country, no one really knowing you, and making a name for yourself,” Tszyu told media in Sydney on Friday.
“Showing the American crowd who I am, what I can do.”
Liam Paro in action against Lewis Crocker. Chris Hyde
Meantime, fellow Aussie fighter Liam Paro is reportedly on the verge of announcing a monster title fight with American sensation Devin Haney, which would also be in the states.
The Ring Magazine’s reporter Mike Coppinger revealed the welterweight unification fight, which could net Paro the WBO and IBF belts.
Paro is already a two-division world champion, but Haney would be his biggest fight to date. A date has not been reported, and it’s unknown if Paro could be fighting on the same undercard as Tszyu.
Haney came to Australia and beat former champion George Kambosos twice in 2022.
The American superstar is undefeated through 33 professional fights.