Nikita Tszyu vs Dylan Biggs ringwalk drama finally resolved
One of the biggest storylines for Nikita Tszyu’s latest fight was who would enter the ring first. We finally have an answer.
One of the biggest question marks over Nikita Tszyu’s super welterweight fight has been answered before he got in the ring to fight Dylan Biggs.
Among the traditional barbs and bravado in the build-up to their Australian title fight was a contentious issue over which fighter would enter the ring first.
BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
The 21-year-old Biggs, as the titleholder, would traditionally be granted the privilege of coming to the ring second.
But Tszyu, son of Kostya and brother of Tim, is by far the bigger name in Australian boxing and the reason Wednesday night’s card is a pay-per-view event.
“The bottom line is this, Dylan Biggs is the champion – he walks out second,” Biggs’ manager Brendon Smith said.
“Right throughout history, the champion has walked out second.
“That’s the way it has always been and Dylan has earned that right.
“So if we’re all really in this for the good of Australian boxing let’s get it right on the night.
“And I’m sure the Rose boys and the Tszyu camp will do that.”
But promoters No Limit had other ideas.
“This is the Nikita Tszyu show,” No Limit promoter George Rose said in the build-up.
“This wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for Nikita Tszyu. We wouldn’t be on pay-per-view.”
Pressed on whether Tszyu would walk out last, Rose said: “In my opinion, yes.
“I stand by that, for now. I said this is the Nikita Tszyu show. This is what we’re here for. We’re here because Nikita is a star in Australian boxing.
“He’s going to fight for the Australian title on Wednesday night against the Australian champion, but he’s the star of the show.”
Former world champions Billy Dib and Shawn Porter both felt Biggs should stand his ground and refuse to come out first.
But when the time finally came, it was indeed Biggs who left his changeroom first and was introduced first at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and entered the ring.
“So the champion does walk first and you know he’s not happy about that at all,” commentator Ben Damon said.
Tszyu, 25, is making a big step up in his fledgling career to date with this fight.
While he had been involved in the ringwalk trash talk leading up to the bout, for his part he said earlier on Wednesday night he didn’t care when he entered the ring.
“I’ve told this from the very start, I couldn’t care less if I walk out first or walk out second, I’m listening to the call,” he said on Main Event.
“When Fox Sports and Main Event tell me to walk out, I’ll walk out.
“That’s never been an issue for me. He’s the one that’s been creating all this drama, all this nonsense.
“I feel like they’re his tactics to try to get into my head, but they’re just burning themselves out.”
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