Recently, the once-close relationship between boxing brothers Tim and Nikita Tszyu has soured, culminating in Tim’s anticipated absence from Nikita’s upcoming fight against Oscar Diaz in Newcastle on May 6. This fallout became apparent when Nikita was notably absent from Tim’s corner during his recent victory over Denis Nurja, a situation that raised eyebrows in the boxing community.
Initially, Nikita explained his absence by citing illness, describing himself as being on “death row.” However, this explanation was quickly dismissed by Tim’s camp, which reached out to journalists to clarify that illness was not the real issue. The tension escalated further when Tim responded to Nikita’s claims on social media with laughing emojis, indicating a lack of seriousness in the situation.
When questioned about their rift, Nikita reluctantly confirmed that Tim had requested him not to attend the fight. Despite their previous support for each other—Tim famously stood in Nikita’s corner during his controversial bout with Michael Zerafa—the current atmosphere between them is markedly different. Nikita’s focus now lies solely on his own matches, and he expressed uncertainty about Tim’s preparations for his upcoming bout with Errol Spence Jr.
Nikita is set to fight Diaz in Newcastle, a location that holds sentimental value for the family, as their father, Kostya Tszyu, launched his career in this region. Nikita expressed a deep sense of responsibility to deliver an exciting performance for the local fans.
With a flawless record of 11-0, he faces a tough opponent in Diaz, who boasts a 16-0 career and has been training hard under the guidance of former British champion Josh Kelly. Diaz has already added fuel to the rivalry with a provocative gesture aimed at Nikita, but the younger Tszyu remains unfazed, anticipating a competitive match.
Ahead of the fight, Nikita plans to engage the local community with an open workout on May 3 at McDonald Jones Stadium. If victorious, he hopes to secure another bout later this year, possibly setting his sights on international fights, particularly in America. However, he emphasised the importance of earning his place on that stage before making the leap, conveying a mature outlook on the unpredictability of a boxing career.
As the brothers navigate this tumultuous period, they stand at a crossroads, with Nikita poised to make a name for himself while Tim prepares for his high-profile match. The future remains uncertain for their relationship, but both are focused on their respective fights.