Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney

This is no mismatch, whatever the Tszyu name might have people believe. It’s a good test between Nikita’s educated aggression and Mahoney’s calmer, more measured boxing. Mahoney is unbeaten for a reason. He can read a fight, use the ring and counter without wasting much. But this is also a sizeable step up in class for the Queenslander.

Tszyu’s best weapon is not simply his power. It’s the way he closes the distance behind little feints, shifts his feet and then punches through the opening. Once he gets a man retreating, that straight left and the follow-up work downstairs can make the ring feel very small. His weakness is impatience. He can square himself after a combination and remain close enough to be caught by an orthodox right hand.

That right hand is Mahoney’s opportunity. If he establishes the jab, steps to his left and times Tszyu coming through the front door, he can make Nikita reset. Mahoney also has the composure to avoid being dragged into daft exchanges early. The problem is that he sometimes gives ground in straight lines. Against Tszyu, reaching the ropes with your guard closed is not defending; it’s merely postponing the damage.

Mahoney will have good spells and may nick some early rounds through cleaner work. But I don’t believe he carries enough threat to discourage Tszyu once the pressure becomes sustained. Nikita will attack the body, slow Mahoney’s feet and force increasingly hurried returns.

My prediction is Nikita Tszyu by stoppage. Mahoney will earn respect, but the accumulated punishment will get him in the end.