Nikita Tszyu has finally flicked the switch.
And judging by an explosive final face-off with Ben Mahoney on Tuesday, ‘The Butcher’ is more than ready to fight.
Tszyu v Mahoney | Wednesday August 26 from 7pm AEST | The only thing standing between Nikita and an IBF world title shot is Ben Mahoney. The stage is set for an All-Australian blockbuster with the winner securing a direct shot at IBF champion, Josh Kelly. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Tszyu showed a noticeably more aggressive side after making weight on the Gold Coast, firing up during an intense staredown with his Aussie rival ahead of Wednesday night’s blockbuster IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator.
After what has largely been a respectful build-up between the pair, things suddenly felt very different with little more than 24 hours remaining until they step inside the ring.
Tszyu and Mahoney both successfully made weight before coming together for one final face-off.
And this time, Tszyu was about as serious as fight fans have ever seen him.
The unbeaten Sydneysider marched towards Mahoney and got right in his face, with the pair going head to head as officials watched closely.
Tszyu was visibly fired up throughout the exchange, with Mahoney pushing his head away part way through as tensions threatened to boil over.
Nikita Tszyu and Ben MahoneySource: FOX SPORTS
Asked by host Ben Damon if he had any final words for his opponent, Tszyu wasn’t interested.
“I have nothing to say,” he said. “We are going to fight tomorrow night.”
It continued what has been a noticeable change in demeanour from the usually relaxed – and sometimes eccentric – 28-year-old throughout fight week.
And speaking moments later, Tszyu explained exactly what had brought that side of him out.
“It always happens after the weight cuts,” Tszyu said.
“The torture brings something out of me. The fight’s just around the corner.”
Asked what had tipped him over the edge during the staredown, Tszyu’s response offered some insight into what’s going through his head.
“The realisation that we are fighting tomorrow,” he said.
“He wants to put pain on me. I want to hurt him.
“I will be victorious.
“Boxing, yes it’s a sport, but to me it’s life or death.”
And it wasn’t only Tszyu who sensed something had changed.
Journalist Peter Badel, who has covered the Tszyu family for years, said he had never seen ‘The Butcher’ quite like this.
“I’ve never seen that level of ferocity from Nikita Tszyu,” Badel told Main Event.
“He’s usually very measured and controlled at faceoffs.
“The fact that there was a bit of a headbutt there and almost like he wanted to start something… I reckon a firecracker is going to go off tomorrow.
“I reckon Nikita The Butcher is in assassin mode and I think he realises the gravity of this fight.
“This is catastrophic if he loses… and I believe Nikita Tszyu comes out tomorrow night with possibly one of the most savage performances of his career.”
Nikita Tszyu set for U.S. debut? | 02:42
Australian boxing legend Danny Green agreed, suggesting the switch Tszyu has spoken so often about throughout his career was now almost fully flicked.
“He looks mean and angry,” Green said.
By contrast, Mahoney appeared completely unfazed by the sudden change in Tszyu.
While Tszyu looked ready to fight there and then, the unbeaten Queenslander remained relaxed throughout the weigh-in.
“He knows I’m not scared of him,” said Mahoney.
“There’s a lot of tension between us.
“Nobody would think I’m a fighter. I’m like this 24/7, but I’ll turn on the moment I walk out. I’ll turn it off the second I get out of there.
“You can expect an angry Mahoney tomorrow.”
Mazoudier slams ‘dog’ Jermall Charlo | 02:12
The contrast between the two Aussie pugs wasn’t lost on No Limit boss George Rose either.
“The intensity stepped up to a whole other level,” he said.
“They’re absolutely starving and as cranky as they can be.
“Once that bell rings tomorrow night they are going to be going for the kill.
“The confidence I saw from both fighters… this is going to be an absolute banger.”
And on Wednesday night, we’ll finally find out which man has got it right.