I miss watching Kostya. Looks like his kid is turning pro at a young age. Spitting image, might be something to follow in a few years: http://northern-times.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/tszyu-says-son-will-go-pro/ BOXING legend Kostya Tszyu says his son will turn to professional boxing rather than pursue a career in the amateur ranks. Tszyu has confirmed his son will return to defend his Golden Gloves crown at Caboolture this weekend. And in a major boost for one of Australias biggest boxing tournaments, Kostya will be ringside as teenage sensation Tim looks to improve on his flawless 15-fight amateur record. While the Golden Gloves will feature some of Australias best amateur boxers, Kostya said Tim would soon move in to the big world of professional boxing. ``Definitely he wont fight amateur. Its too difficult to reach that level ... some countries like Cuba and Russia are too dominant, Kostya said. ``Im going to mentor him and definitely manage him. He wont make the same mistakes as me. Speaking with Quest Newspapers before he arrives in town on Friday, Tszyu Sr said he was looking forward to seeing his prodigy in the ring, having only been at a handful of his contests. ``Im looking forward to it, more than him, Tszyu joked. ``Ive been training every morning and afternoon with him, so I give him some tips. Hes been doing it only a year and a half, and hes improved a lot. ``Hes confident, powerful and his decision making is good. Im very pleased. Kostya has previously been reluctant to talk about 15-year-old Tims boxing career, but brimmed with pride when speaking to Quest Newspapers. Despite having only six months boxing experience under his belt before last years Golden Gloves, Tim oozed class and raw power to win the junior 63kg class. But former world light welterweight champion Kostya said things would not be so easy this weekend. ``Hes now defending his title, so theres more pressure, he said. ``Kids are studying his fights, and watching what he does. The Golden Gloves are at the Caboolture Junior Rugby League Club from this Friday to Sunday, and feature close to 150 bouts. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCPvdpZnNNg&feature=player_embedded[/ame]
Without his AM experience Kostya would likely have never been champion. Because he was so comfortable in there he was able to get through some tough fights early on that a man with lesser experience would not have been able to. There is no substitute for in ring experience. I dont care who your father is. Im sure he will be managed carefully thought and maybe they can get him undefeated for a few wins, but for now hes just a kid so im not sure why they are considering it.
Oh yeah they don't **** about in Australlia. Fenech and Tszyu were matched tough- Katsidis had a 12 rounder for his second pro fight.
Good post. Kostya's calm and ring smarts were a huge part of his success. Even after the knockout loss to Phillips he regrouped and came back better. A long amateur career is important for that mental fortitude. Of course, raw, ungodly talent doesn't hurt either.
Yeah, Kostya doesn't want his son wasting any time fighting amateur when he is garaunteed to get immediate exposure given his name in the pros. I really don't understand it. Most succesful fighters wouldn't be taking such a risk with their son. Sad really, that's the only bad thing about Kostya's character, the fact he loves money too much. I think he does love the sport, and the discipline it brings. He once cried in a 60 minutes interview sitting with his family, admitting he'd rather die in the ring than quit. No doubt it was learning the sport as an amateur which helped instill this great sense of pride in him. He would definately know bringing his son up through the amateurs would be more beneficial for him. Unfortunately he is letting his greed completely cloud his judgement.
Tyson Tszyu would've been nice, esp. if he carries anywhere near his dad's power Maybe Tim is just abbreviated and he does have some crazy name like Timozen or Timberlake Tszyu :nut