Timofei Konstantinovich Tszyu (Russian: Тимофей Константинович Цзю, [tʲɪmɐˈfɛj kɐnstɐnˈtʲinəvit͡ɕ ˈdzːʲʉ] born 2 November 1994) is a Russian-Australian professional boxer who held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior-middleweight title from 2023 to 2024. He is the son of former light-welterweight world champion of boxing, Kostya Tszyu[3] and older brother of Nikita Tszyu.
Tim Tszyu | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | Timofei Konstantinovich Tszyu 2 November 1994 Sydney, Australia | ||||||||||||||
| Other names | The Soul Taker[2] | ||||||||||||||
| Statistics | |||||||||||||||
| Weight(s) | Light-middleweight | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)[1] | ||||||||||||||
| Reach | 70+1⁄2 in (179 cm)[1] | ||||||||||||||
| Stance | Orthodox | ||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | |||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 25 | ||||||||||||||
| Wins | 24 | ||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 17 | ||||||||||||||
| Losses | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Early life
editTszyu was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to Russian parents. His father Kostya Tszyu is of ethnic Russian, Korean and Mongolian descent and his mother Natasha Anikina is of ethnic Russian descent.[4] His father, Kostya, is a former undisputed light-welterweight champion who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.[5] Tim's first sporting interest began to develop at the age of six when enrolled in gymnastics and later switched sports to association football at the age of 10.[6] As a soccer player, he was selected to play for multiple local representative teams[7] but his interest in the sport began to wane at the age of 13 when he temporarily relocated to Moscow with his family for a few months before returning to Sydney. At the age of 15, Tszyu decided to quit football and began pursuing a career in boxing. He attended St George Christian School and Newington College[8] throughout his teenage years and enrolled in a business degree at the University of Technology Sydney following high school graduation.[9] His brother, Nikita, is also a professional boxer.[10]
Tszyu amassed an amateur boxing record of 33–1 before turning professional in 2016 at the age of 22.[11]
Professional career
editEarly career
editAfter being away from the sport for four years due to a hand injury,[12] Tszyu made his professional debut in December 2016 when he defeated Zorran Cassidy by unanimous decision (UD) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[13]
Tszyu won the WBC-ABCO Continental light-middleweight title in his seventh bout, with a UD over Wade Ryan.[14]
In November 2019, Tszyu defeated Jack Brubaker by technical knockout (TKO) in the fourth round.[15]
Rise up the ranks
editTszyu vs. Horn
editOn 26 August 2020, Tszyu defeated former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn via eighth-round corner stoppage at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.[16]
Tszyu vs. Hogan
editOn 31 March 2021, Tszyu, ranked #9 by The Ring, #1 by the WBO, #3 by the IBF, #7 by the WBA and #11 by the WBC fought Dennis Hogan who was ranked #10 by the WBC. Tszyu beat Hogan via a fifth-round TKO.[17]
Tszyu vs. Spark
editIn his next bout, Tszyu fought and defeated Steve Spark via a third-round TKO.[18]
Tszyu vs. Inoue
editIn his next bout, Tszyu fought and defeated a very resilient Takeshi Inoue, with a convincing unanimous decision win, winning on all three scorecards, 120-107, 120-107 and 119-108.[19]
Tszyu vs. Gausha
editIn his next bout, Tszyu defeated 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha in his first fight in America at The Armory in Minneapolis. After suffering a first round knockdown, Tszyu recovered and dominated from the 2nd round to win convincingly by unanimous decision, 114-113, 116-111 and 115-112.[20]
WBO interim light-middleweight champion
editTszyu vs. Harrison
editOn 22 January 2023 it was announced Tszyu would take on former WBC 154-lb champion Tony Harrison for the WBO interim junior middleweight title on 12 March in Australia. He won the fight by 9th round TKO.[21]
Tszyu vs. Ocampo
editOn 18 June 2023, Tszyu made the first defense of his WBO interim junior middleweight title against Carlos Ocampo. He won the fight by a 77 second 1st round KO.
WBO light-middleweight champion
editTszyu vs. Mendoza
editOn October 15, 2023 Tszyu defeated Brian Mendoza to defend his WBO junior middleweight.[22][23] He was elevated to a full champion once Jermell Charlo faced Canelo Alvarez inside the ring for his undisputed super middleweight title on September 30, 2023.[24]
Tszyu vs. Fundora
editOn March 30, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Tszyu was scheduled to face former champion Keith Thurman.[25][26] The fight was set at a catchweight of 155 lbs.[27] On March 18, 2024 it was announced that Thurman suffered injury in training and withdrew.[28] He was replaced by former interim WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian Fundora in the 12-round bout for Tszyu's WBO super welterweight title and vacant WBC title.[29] Fundora won the fight by split decision.[30][31]
Post-championship
editTszyu vs. Ortiz Jr
editTszyu was scheduled to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. on August 3, 2024 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.[32][33] On May 30, 2024 it was announced that the fight was canceled on medical advice, with Tszyu requiring more time to heal from the injury sustained in his previous bout against Fundora.[34][35]
Professional boxing record
edit| 25 fights | 24 wins | 1 loss |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 17 | 0 |
| By decision | 7 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Loss | 24–1 | Sebastian Fundora | SD | 12 | 30 Mar 2024 | T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US | Lost WBO light middleweight title; For vacant WBC light middleweight title |
| 24 | Win | 24–0 | Brian Mendoza | UD | 12 | 15 Oct 2023 | Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia | Retained WBO light middleweight title |
| 23 | Win | 23–0 | Carlos Ocampo | KO | 1 (12), 1:17 | 18 Jun 2023 | Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, Australia | Retained WBO interim light middleweight title |
| 22 | Win | 22–0 | Tony Harrison | TKO | 9 (12), 2:43 | 12 Mar 2023 | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia | Won vacant WBO interim light middleweight title |
| 21 | Win | 21–0 | Terrell Gausha | UD | 12 | 26 Mar 2022 | Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US | Retained WBO Global light middleweight title |
| 20 | Win | 20–0 | Takeshi Inoue | UD | 12 | 17 Nov 2021 | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia | Retained WBO Global light middleweight title; Won WBO Asia Pacific light middleweight title |
| 19 | Win | 19–0 | Steve Spark | TKO | 3 (10), 2:22 | 7 Jul 2021 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | Retained WBO Global light middleweight title; Won vacant Commonwealth light middleweight title |
| 18 | Win | 18–0 | Dennis Hogan | TKO | 5 (10), 2:29 | 31 Mar 2021 | Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia | Retained WBO Global light middleweight title |
| 17 | Win | 17–0 | Bowyn Morgan | TKO | 1 (10), 1:47 | 16 Dec 2020 | Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, Australia | Retained IBF Australasian and WBO Global light middleweight titles |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | Jeff Horn | RTD | 8 (10), 3:00 | 26 Aug 2020 | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, Australia | Retained IBF Australasian and WBO Global light middleweight titles |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Jack Brubaker | TKO | 4 (12), 0:23 | 6 Dec 2019 | International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia | Retained IBF Australasian and WBO Global light middleweight titles |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Dwight Ritchie | UD | 10 | 14 Aug 2019 | International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia | Won IBF Australasian and inaugural WBO Global light middleweight titles |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Joel Camilleri | UD | 10 | 15 May 2019 | The Star, Sydney, Australia | Won Australian light middleweight title |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Denton Vassell | TKO | 2 (10), 0:23 | 8 Feb 2019 | Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia | Won vacant WBA Oceania interim light middleweight title |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Marcos Jesus Cornejo | TKO | 1 (10), 2:31 | 8 Sep 2018 | Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo, Australia | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus | KO | 1 (10), 1:41 | 3 Aug 2018 | Technology Park, Sydney, Australia | Retained WBC–ABCO Continental light middleweight title |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Larry Siwu | TKO | 4 (10), 0:44 | 24 May 2018 | The Star, Sydney, Australia | Retained WBC–ABCO Continental light middleweight title |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Ruben Webster | TKO | 5 (6), 2:15 | 7 Apr 2018 | Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Wade Ryan | UD | 10 | 22 Oct 2017 | The Star, Sydney, Australia | Won vacant WBC–ABCO Continental light middleweight title |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Christopher Khan | TKO | 2 (5), 1:30 | 22 Jul 2017 | Rumours International, Toowoomba, Australia | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Adam Fitzsimmons | RTD | 3 (6), 3:00 | 22 May 2017 | QT Hotel, Gold Coast, Australia | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Ivana Siau | TKO | 2 (4), 2:45 | 6 May 2017 | Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Ben Nelson | TKO | 3 (4), 1:41 | 8 Apr 2017 | Doltone House, Sydney, Australia | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Mark Dalby | TKO | 3 (4), 1:02 | 3 Feb 2017 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Zorran Cassady | UD | 6 | 17 Dec 2016 | Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Premier Boxing Champions tale of the tape prior to the Sebastian Fundora fight.
- ^ Conrad, Alex; Laughton, Max (24 March 2022). "'I don't take no s***': US rival fires big Tszyu warning shot as Aussie star bites back". Fox Sports. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "Tim Tszyu defeats Joel Camilleri: result, video, full card, Justin Hodges". Fox Sports. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
- ^ Kostya: an Aussie fight icon Retrieved 5 July 2019.
- ^ "Tim Tszyu - BoxRec". boxrec.com.
- ^ Like father, like son -- Tim Tszyu wants multiple titles, Hall of Fame nod Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ Fight News Interview: Tim Tszyu Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ Williams, Dan (28 July 2021). "Why You Should Adopt Tim Tszyu's Old School Training Methods". Australian Men's Health. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
- ^ You can’t deny what’s in your blood Retrieved 13 July 2018.
- ^ "Tim Tszyu predicting fireworks in brother Nikita's professional debut". The Sporting News. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
- ^ Tim Tsyzu shows boxing is well and truly in his genes with TKO victory Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ Parkinson, Andrew (11 July 2016). "Like father, like sons: Tim and Nikita Tszyu to chase boxing dream".
- ^ Son still has much to learn about boxing, says Kostya Tszyu Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^ Jaffrey, Ben (24 October 2017). "Wade Ryan takes it to Tim Tszyu".
- ^ "LIVE Boxing: Tim Tszyu's quest towards a world title continues against exciting Jack Brubaker". Foxsports. 6 December 2019.
- ^ Idec, Keith (26 August 2020). "Tim Tszyu Batters Jeff Horn, Stops Him After 8th Round In One-Sided Fight". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Tszyu vs Hogan - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ "Tszyu vs Spark - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Donovan, Jake (17 November 2021). "Tim Tszyu Extended 12 Rounds For First Time, Dominates Takeshi Inoue In Decision Win". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ Smale, Simon (27 March 2022). "Tim Tszyu survives massive scare, beats Terrell Gausha on US debut by unanimous decision". ABC News. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ McCartney, Damien. "Tim Tszyu to fight Tony Harrison for WBO superwelterweight title in Melbourne". wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
- ^ "Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza in progress: Live updates, results, highlights | DAZN News US". DAZN. 15 October 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (24 August 2023). "Tim Tszyu vs Brian Mendoza date set for Oct 15 in Australia". FIGHTMAG. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ "WBO to award Tszyu full world champion status". ESPN.com. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (25 January 2024). "Tim Tszyu defends against Keith Thurman in March in Las Vegas". FIGHTMAG.
- ^ "Sources: Tszyu set to fight Thurman on March 30". ESPN.com. 25 January 2024.
- ^ "Sources: Tszyu set to fight Thurman on March 30". ESPN.com. 25 January 2024.
- ^ "Tszyu's new opponent locked in after cancellation drama as stakes raised with another title belt". Fox Sports. 19 March 2024.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (19 March 2024). "Tim Tszyu faces Sebastian Fundora for unified title, Keith Thurman out with injury". FIGHTMAG.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (31 March 2024). "Sebastian Fundora takes decision against Tim Tszyu to land unified title". FIGHTMAG.
- ^ Press, Australian Associated (31 March 2024). "Tim Tszyu bloodied in first defeat as Sebastian Fundora claims world title belts". The Guardian.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (25 April 2024). "Tim Tszyu to face Vergil Ortiz Jr on Crawford vs Madrimov card in LA". FIGHTMAG.
- ^ "'Fears no man': Tszyu locked in for 'modern day classic' against US rival with frightening KO record". Fox Sports. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (31 May 2024). "Tim Tszyu vs Vergil Ortiz Jr fight canceled on medical advice". FIGHTMAG.
- ^ "Tsyzu-Ortiz bout cancelled on medical advice". ESPN.com. 31 May 2024.
External links
edit- Official website
- Boxing record for Tim Tszyu from BoxRec (registration required)
- Tim Tszyu - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live