Nikita Tszyu’s big plans for his own boxing superstardom underlined by savage first-round knockout

Nikita Tszyu is well on the road to following older brother Tim in becoming a pay-per-view boxing star, yet there are clear differences between them, writes BRENDAN BRADFORD.

With a savage first-round knockout win over Ben Bommber, Nikita Tszyu took another giant step on the path to becoming a genuine pay-per-view star in his own right.

Tszyu’s highlight-reel dismantling of Bommber was the co-main event fight on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s similarly impressive first-round destruction of Faiga Opelu.

And Tszyu, nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, could be headlining his own PPV cards in as little as 13 months.

Now 6-0, Tszyu’s professional debut against Aaron Stahl in March last year headlined a Fox Sports fight night card, as did his grudge match with Ben Horn in July.

Tszyu’s No Limit promoters continued to build the 25-year-old’s profile with prominent spots on PPV cards featuring brother, Tim, Paul Gallen and Parker.

Nikita Tszyu celebrates a sensational victory over Benjamin Bommber at Margaret Court Arena. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

After enjoying an early night on Wednesday, Tszyu plans on returning to the ring in July and wants to fight twice more before the end of the year.

That puts him on a trajectory to break out on his own midway through 2024.

“He’s had a couple of fight night headlines but the reality is, he’s 6-0,” Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings told CODE Sports. “I’ve always said that until he hits 12 fights, he’s in that rookie stage.

“We’re looking to fight guys like Ben Bommber who can offer a different style and the chance to learn.

“So ultimately, when we get to a dozen fights – which is potentially the middle of next year – Nikita will have run out of local opponents and we’ll look at quality internationals.”

Tszyu hurt Bommber with a vicious flurry against the ropes. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

No Limit CEO George Rose has backed Jennings’ approach, saying Tszyu’s popularity is already exploding.

“There were a lot of people here tonight and watching at home who were watching to see Nikita Tszyu,” Rose told CODE. “He’s a genuine drawcard and he’s so quirky, so it makes you want to watch him.

“He’s a born star.”

The path Nikita is currently on is the same one Jennings and No Limit mapped out for Tim during his rise up the rankings.

But while Tim is generally more reserved, Nikita is, as Rose puts it, quirky.

“They’re so different as people,” Rose said. “As far as working with the team, it’s very simple, but as far as the type of person they are, Nikita’s way over here and Timmy’s way over here.

“But that’s good, because there’s variety. It appeals to different people.”

Bommber lands on Missialidis after the stoppage. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Tszyu’s “quirkiness” was on full display in front of a raucous crowd at Margaret Court Arena. After strutting to the ring to the tune of YMCA by the Village People, he playfully called out heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who was ringside to support his mate Parker.

Tszyu’s team has a shortlist of possible future opponents, but Ben Horn – who called for a rematch after beating Joel Taylor on the same card – won’t be one of them.

Horn gave Tszyu the toughest test of his career so far and Tszyu isn’t keen on doing it again.

“I’m not interested – he’s too tough,” Tszyu joked. “He can take a shot a little bit too well, it wasn’t fun. Sorry, Benny.”

The only other possible fight date Nikita has already ruled out is a spot on the undercard of Tim’s potential world title fight against Jermell Charlo, which is loosely scheduled for later in the year.

“That’s Tim’s moment, that’s all for Tim,” he said. “It’s too stressful for me as well. Watching Tim fight is not easy – I was sweating my balls off last time.”

Originally published as Nikita Tszyu’s big plans for his own boxing superstardom underlined by savage first-round knockout