Tim Tszyu says he is braced for the ‘chaos’ of his father, Kostya’s, presence at his upcoming world title fight as the Aussie superstar opened up on his complicated relationship with the boxing legend.
Kostya will be in attendance for the biggest fight of his son’s career on Sunday, when he takes on Sebastian Fundora at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where two titles are on the line.
It remains unknown as to where in the arena Kostya will watch the fight from. The legend has only seen his son compete live once, back in 2016, in an appearance that was disconcerting for Tim.
Kostya surprised his eldest son by flying into Sydney to watch his professional debut against Zorran Cassady. It was the first time the pair had seen each other in four years.
‘My dad is a hard man, especially when he comes to watch my fights,’ Tszyu told Fox Sports.
Tim Tszyu has opened up on his complicated relationship with father Kostya
The son of boxing legend Kostya is fighting to unify his division this weekend
‘He’s only watched one of my fights and let me say it was … chaotic.
‘My first pro fight. It was chaotic. It was hard to deal with. Just out of control. Because he’s a control freak, it’s hard for him to watch someone he loves fight in the ring.’
Tim made the eyebrow-raising decision to remove all posters of his legendary father from his gym in October 2023, insisting that youngsters visiting the facility are more likely to be inspired by posters of himself and his brother Nikita.
That move goes a long way in depicting the complicated relationship between the father and son, and Tim said he will talk to Kostya before this weekend’s fight to ensure he remains level-headed.
‘Before it all happens we’re going to have a chat.
But he says his father can bring a ‘chaotic’ energy to his fights when he sees him perform live
‘Because the last time my dad saw me fight, I was a boy. Now though, it’s completely different.
‘I’m my own man, and what I’ve done to get into this position, it’s been all on my own.’
He added that his father clearly understood Tim’s stance.