Oscar Diaz has taken aim at Australia’s boxing royal family, declaring he’s coming Down Under to knock over Nikita Tszyu – and then have a crack at big brother Tim.
The undefeated Spaniard arrives in Australia next week ahead of his Newcastle showdown with Tszyu on May 6, stepping straight into the toughest test of his career.
Tszyu vs Diaz | Wednesday 6 May from 7pm AEST | Nikita Tszyu continues his rise in boxing as he takes on Spain’s undefeated Oscar Diaz. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The world-ranked 25-year-old won’t just be taking on a Tszyu – he’ll be doing it in “Tszyu-castle”, where the family boasts a flawless 13-0 record.
Speaking this week, “The Bull” made it clear he knows what he’s walking into against “The Butcher”.
“I’m very aware of the name Tszyu, what it means and the power it has,” he said.
“I’ve been a big fan of his dad and brother but now I’m able to fight against a Tszyu. I’m very happy about that, ready to give it my all, knock him out, and conquer.
“I’m aware that the name is very strong, but he comes from something, whereas I come from nothing, so I’m happy to show what I can give when I get there.
“I’m excited to be paired up with that iconic name, Tszyu.
“I’ve been studying him, been following him for a long time, and know he’s a strong fighter so I’m well prepared.”
While Diaz is focused on Newcastle, Tim Tszyu is preparing for a blockbuster showdown with Errol Spence Jr.
In a major shake-up this week, Tszyu has split with his fight team for the second time in six months and linked up with Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech.
The Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium is a leading venue option, although if a deal with the Queensland Government can’t be reached, the fight is expected to head to AT&T Stadium in Dallas – likely in July or August.
Diaz, however, isn’t a fan of the fight.
“It’s actually a fight that shouldn’t even happen because they’re both old – a fight for oldies,” Diaz said.
“I think [Tim Tszyu’s] career is on the way down, not out for boxing anymore.
“I’m coming to defeat Nikita and then I’m coming for Tim.”
Oscar Diaz and the Tszyu brothersSource: FOX SPORTS
Adding another layer to the callout, Diaz recently posted footage of himself training alongside British world champ Josh Kelly.
Kelly claimed the IBF super-welterweight title earlier this year with a superb win over Russian enforcer Bakhram Murtazaliev – the same fighter who dropped Tim Tszyu four times in their brutal 2024 world title clash.
In the clip, Diaz works through a bag session before turning to the camera, calling out Nikita by name and dragging his thumb across his throat.
Asked about the gesture this week, he shrugged it off.
“I don’t see any problem with the video,” he said.
“I’m just happy to come to Australia and do my thing.”
Nikita’s last outing — a controversial showdown with Michael Zerafa — drew huge attention across Australian boxing and only added to his growing profile.
Diaz sends Nikita training message | 00:10
The fallout further lifted Tszyu’s profile, but Diaz says he isn’t fazed by the lack of similar fanfare around his own arrival.
“That was a fight between two Australians – and it was a big moment in Australian boxing history,” he said.
“I don’t care that people aren’t talking about me now.
“But they will be talking about me when I leave.”
Tszyu is unbeaten through 11 fights, with Diaz set to become his seventh undefeated opponent.
The southpaw is unorthodox, aggressive and has proven he packs genuine fight-ending power.
Nikita speaks un upcoming Diaz clash | 00:57
US boxing great Paulie Malignaggi has already tipped him as a future star of the sport.
So what does Diaz bring to the table?
“I’m a boxer who adapts to every other boxer,” says Diaz.
“What I have over everyone is my mentality.”