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‘I can’t talk about it’: NRL boss in secret plot for Tszyu brothers Vegas double header

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Tim and Nikita Tszyu are set to fight together in Las Vegas next March if a blockbuster Australian boxing proposal, timed to coincide with the NRL season launch, can be signed off in coming weeks.

In a huge nod to the Tszyu brothers’ popularity, Fox Sports Australia can reveal promoters No Limit are in talks to host a unique ‘Aussies versus America’ boxing card on the Friday night before the NRL season kicks off.

Under the hyped proposal, WBO super welterweight champ Tim Tszyu would headline a card involving up to five of Australia’s best fighters – with Sam Goodman, Liam Wilson and Nikita Tszyu among the names being discussed.

BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

NRL boss Peter V’landys is understood to be a huge fan of the concept, which would see the Tszyu boys fighting on the Friday night, potentially inside T-Mobile Arena, before the NRL double header takes place on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.

Already, organisers are expecting some 15,000 Australians to be in Las Vegas for the footy launch event that includes four teams – South Sydney, Brisbane, Manly and the Roosters – and are keen to work in with No Limit to have the Tszyu boys part of the extravaganza.

Fox Sports Australia understands discussions are also well underway between No Limit and several US promoters, who are already in talks themselves with American broadcasters about joining Main Event in airing the showcase.

The Tszyu brothers could headline a Vegas spectacular next month. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The Tszyu brothers could headline a Vegas spectacular next month. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

While Team Tszyu is also keen on the March 2 timeline, almost four months away, the only sticking point will be who the WBO world champion defends his title against next – and whether they are also willing to compete on that date.

Only recently, No Limit CEO George Rose revealed the updated Tszyu ‘hit list’ which, topped by division king Jermell Charlo, also includes superstars Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr, plus names like Erickson Lubin, Danny Garcia and Erislandy Lara.

While the new champ is still holidaying overseas after his most recent win against Brian Mendoza, and unavailable for comment on the US proposal, Nikita Tszyu simply smiled when asked this week by Fox Sports Australia, cackling: “Ah, I can’t talk about it”.

So we can read between the lines then?

“No, don’t read into it at all,” laughed the rising star who has started his career with seven straight wins. “Just let it all go over your head”.

Of course, for the younger Tszyu brother to continue his rise and rise in any US debut, he must first win his upcoming Australian super welterweight title fight against reigning national champ Dylan Biggs in Newcastle on November 22.

Nikita reveals dark desire in the ring | 04:47

Dubbed The Beaudesert Storm, Biggs is undefeated in 10 fights – seven of which have come via KO – and needed less than a round to win his most recent bout against fellow Queenslander Ryan Mitchem.

“So this is my toughest challenge,” Tszyu insisted of the rival who also once dropped him in a sparring session.

“Dylan is the most skilful fighter I’ve faced.

“He’s not the most experienced – is still quite young – but he has great fundamentals, and is very skilful.

“The perfect dance partner.

“And I’m really happy to be having this test at this time in my career.”

Nikita and Tim together back in March. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Tszyu also confirmed a win would likely see him become the only family member with an Australian strap in his possession.

Despite his father’s Hall of Fame career, Kostya Tszyu never won a national title.

And while older brother Tim did win the same super welterweight belt back in 2019, he recently admitted he can no longer find it.

So as for how the search is coming along?

“I don’t even know if anyone is looking for it,” Nikita replied with a smile.

“It’s definitely not at my grandparent’s place.

“But anyway, belts are belts.

“I’m not really fond of them.

“I just see them as a souvenir – or a time stamp – for one particular part of your life.

“So I don’t care about them.

“The world titles … they’re the ones I’m fond of.

“But the minor ones? The domestic ones? Honestly, they don’t mean much to me — they’re just helping me get to the bigger ones.”

Should the Las Vegas proposal get up, it will be interesting to see how the Tszyu brothers go fighting on the same card – given Nikita said only this year that he never wanted to do it again.

‘He’s a problem!’ U.S. divided on Tszyu | 01:35

Back in March, the younger Tszyu sibling fought on the undercard of big brother’s world title bout against Tony Harrison, eventually securing a convincing TKO win against Tasmanian Bo Belbin.

Asked afterwards however about fighting before his brother, who shares the same trainer, uncle Igor Goloubev, he said he would prefer never to do it again.

“If I’d lost, it would’ve been a horrible headspace for Tim,” the 25-year-old conceded. “There was no other way (but winning) … that stayed in my mind the whole time.”

Nikita also said of the preparation: “I wasn’t the biggest fan of it.

“I was very isolated from everyone.

“I was training at 10 o’clock in the morning compared to Tim training at two o’clock in the afternoon.

“I was in the gym virtually by myself. Very lonely camp.

“So again, good lesson, good experience to have.

“But honestly I’d prefer to keep our fights separated.”

However, given the lure of throwing down in the world’s fight capital – and before a crowd packed with Australian fans – it’s understood the Tszyu boys are now obviously keen to make the event work if it can be signed off.

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