Kostya Tszyu

Biography

Konstantin Borisovich "Kostya" Tszyu, born on September 19, 1969, is a legendary boxing figure known for his exceptional skills and powerful punches. Originally from Serov, a town near the Ural Mountains in the former Soviet Union, Tszyu's heritage combines Korean (paternal), Mongol (maternal), and Russian. His father worked as a fitter in a metal factory while his mother was a nurse. Tszyu's father took him to a boxing gym to channel his hyperactivity, where he quickly displayed remarkable talent, impressing the Soviet amateur team coaches.

As an amateur, Tszyu's career was nothing short of stellar. He represented the Soviet Union with distinction, winning a bronze medal in the lightweight division at the 1989 World Championships and gold in the light-welterweight division at the 1991 World Championships. He also secured consecutive gold medals at the 1989 and 1991 European Championships. His impressive amateur record, with 259 wins out of 270 fights, set the stage for his professional career.

Tszyu's professional debut came on March 1, 1992, in Melbourne, where he knocked out Darrell Hiles in the first round. His rise in the professional ranks was meteoric. By 1995, he captured his first world title in the light-welterweight division, the IBF title, by defeating Jake Rodríguez. Despite a setback in 1997, losing to Vince Phillips, Tszyu remained undefeated for the next eight years. During this period, he secured the WBC title in 1999 and the WBA (Super version) title in 2001. His knockout victory over Zab Judah in 2001 to reclaim the IBF title and win the vacant Ring magazine and lineal titles is one of his most memorable achievements, making him the first undisputed light-welterweight champion in over 30 years.

Tszyu's career is marked by several significant victories. He defended his titles against formidable opponents like Roger Mayweather, Hugo Pineda, and Jan Bergman. His technical prowess and formidable punching power made him a dominant force in the light-welterweight division. In 2005, he faced Ricky Hatton in his final fight, retiring on his stool at the end of the 11th round.

After retiring from boxing, Tszyu continued to contribute to the sport, coaching professional boxers such as Alexander Povetkin, Denis Lebedev, and Khabib Allakhverdiev from 2012 to 2013. His legacy in the boxing world was cemented with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010. Tszyu's influence extended to his family, with his son Tim Tszyu winning the WBO junior-middleweight title in 2023.

Tszyu's journey from a hyperactive child in the Soviet Union to a national sports hero in Australia is inspiring. His decision to emigrate to Australia in 1992 with his girlfriend, who later became his wife, Natasha Anikina, marked a new chapter in his life. They married in 1993 and settled in Sans Souci, Sydney, where they became Australian citizens. Despite his move to Russia in 2012, Tszyu's legacy continues to be celebrated in Australia, where he is regarded as a national sports hero.

In addition to his illustrious boxing career, Tszyu has a personal life marked by family and business ventures. He has five children, including two sons, Nikita and Tim, who have followed in his boxing footsteps. Tszyu now runs a restaurant in Moscow and remains an influential figure in both Russia and Australia. His story is one of resilience, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a beloved figure in the world of boxing.