Oscar Diaz has fired a no-nonsense warning shot at Nikita Tszyu as preparations ramp up for their looming showdown – and he’s doing it alongside a world champion.
The undefeated Spaniard, who is heading Down Under later this month for a showdown with Tszyu in Newcastle, has taken to social media to send a direct message to “The Butcher”… and it is anything but subtle.
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.
In the video clip, Diaz can be seen working through an intense bag session before turning to the camera and calling out Nikita by name – before dragging his thumb across his throat in an unmistakable gesture.
Adding further intrigue is the fact Diaz has been sharpening his tools alongside none other than British world champ Josh Kelly.
Kelly famously claimed the IBF super-welterweight title with a superb win over Russian bogeyman Bakhram Murtazaliev earlier this year.
Aussie fight fans will also remember Murtazaliev’s brutal victory over Tim Tszyu – dropping him four times in their 2024 world title clash – a reminder of the quality of fighter Diaz has been preparing with.
“Australia let’s go!” Diaz captioned the post, tagging in Kelly as his “coach”.
Diaz’s decision to link up with Kelly is an interesting one. “Pretty Boy” is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most skilful operators, with quick hands and exceptional footwork.
Oscar Diaz sends warning to Nikita TszyuSource: FOX SPORTS
For Diaz, it might just be the perfect prep for a fighter like Nikita, who brings relentless pressure and explosive knockout power.
It is shaping as one of the toughest tests of Nikita’s career, with world-ranked Díaz boasting greater professional experience, while also being the younger man.
Still, the undefeated Aussie will have his own weapons – that fearsome left hand, and the Newcastle crowd behind him.
“There’s a lot of historic value with our family in Newcastle,” Nikita told Fox Sports Australia last week.
“My dad fought there multiple times. It’s also the place where I had my second professional fight. I had probably my biggest win there as well [against Dylan Biggs in 2023].
“That fight got named fight of the year – so I’ve had some really good experiences in Newcastle.”
Newcastle has been a stronghold for the entire Tszyu clan. Between Kostya, Tim and Nikita, the family has a 13-0 record in the former steel city.
“This fight is a step in the right direction,” said Nikita.
“It’s a step towards the ultimate goal of climbing the world rankings and getting that world title.
“There’s a lot of attention around me, but there’s a lack of experience – and I’ve got to balance things out.”
When asked what he thinks of the fighter dubbed “El Toro” (“The Bull”), Tszyu admitted he hasn’t seen enough to fully assess him yet.
“I’ve seen a little bit,” he said.
“But I haven’t done my full in-depth study yet. I will be doing that pretty soon.
“I have seen the way he moves, though. He’s flashy and quite fluid with his movements.”
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It’ll be Nikita’s first fight back since his infamous Zerafa ‘No Contest’, and the Sydneysider can’t wait to put it behind him.
“I’m kind of over it,” he said.
“I’m trying to progress afterwards – what else can you do?
“He robbed us, essentially…”
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And the plan this year is?
“Getting more fights, testing new things and taking little steps up the ladder,” he said.
With fight night approaching, Díaz has made one thing pretty clear – “The Bull” is not intimidated by “The Butcher”.