No Limit promoter George Rose has predicted a serious chunk of the Australian boxing community will be betting against Nikita Tszyu in his first shot at a national title, despite the young star predicting hyped rival Dylan Biggs could “crumble” under the pressure that accompanies his fights.
While only seven bouts into his professional career, 25-year-old Tszyu is now readying to headline his second Main Event Pay-Per-View against Australian super welterweight champ Biggs at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on November 22.
BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
Despite an outstanding start to his professional career over the past two years – going undefeated through seven fights, with six KOs – Rose insists the younger brother of WBO champ Tim Tszyu is actually a “genuine underdog” against the reigning Australian champ.
Tszyu, meanwhile, agrees Biggs is easily the biggest test of his breakout career, but suggested his rival could “crumble” under the bright lights of their hyped showcase, warning that the undefeated Queenslander “has never experienced anything like” what is coming.
Apart from preparing to win an Australian title, Tszyu’s team are also in discussions for the fighter to make his US debut in March next year.
As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia, promoters No Limit are keen to host a Las Vegas showcase on the same weekend as the NRL season launch – with both Tszyu boys to appear on what would be Tim’s second title defence.
For that to happen however, the younger Tszyu sibling must first get past Biggs, who is himself undefeated in 10 fights – with seven coming via knockout.
While Biggs boasts more experience than his hyped rival, Tszyu has questioned if the national champ is ready to handle all the attention that comes with having your name on a No Limit fight poster.
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“Our fight is definitely a big one and it will be interesting to see how he deals with it,” Tszyu told Fox Sports Australia over the weekend.
“I know with my first few fights on Main Event, when all the eyes were on me, it was quite nerve-racking.
“And it did take a while to get my groove on, to understand that atmosphere I was in.
“So we’ll see.”
Pushed on the issue, Tszyu continued: “Dylan seems like a cool, calm kid, so maybe it will have no impact on him.
“Still, it’s an interesting question because he has never experienced anything like this.
“Yes, he has fought on a DAZN card (against Mirko Pizzi, in 2022).
“But at the time he competed, the place was virtually empty.
“So he hasn’t felt the full energy of a crowd.
“And that’s different.
“Especially compared to fighting when nobody is really watching.
“It’s going to be a shock for Dylan and I don’t know how he will handle that.
“He will either rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure … so we’ll see.”
Rose, meanwhile, explained how he has spent weeks continually explaining his decision to throw Tszyu in against a rising star with the power of Biggs.
“A lot of people within Australian boxing believe this is a fight not only for Dylan to win, but one that’s actually skewed in his favour,” the promoter said.
“They don’t even see this is a 50/50 fight.
“(Laughs) So whenever somebody new has started a conversation saying ‘geez, you’ve got some balls putting Nikita in with Dylan’ … yeah, it makes me realise this is the biggest test of Nikita’s career.
“And he really does need to step up.
“Although, don’t get me wrong, Nikita’s been great so far. And we are always in his corner.
“Whether it’s a close fight or a dominant performance, Nikita always puts on a show for the crowd.
“But what he’ll need to do for this fight, he will have to step up another level again.”
While betting odds have yet to be released for the Newcastle event, Tszyu has always started a short-priced favourite through his first seven fights — a run Rose is predicting will end against Biggs.
“Dylan’s not only the current Australian champion, but a guy who has earned that belt with some massive performances,” he said.
“He’s a young guy who is just as hungry as Nikita, just as strong, arguably bigger … I think Nikita Tszyu is a genuine underdog coming into this fight.”
While Biggs is the reigning Australian champion, and more experienced fighter, there is still no doubt Tszyu remains the undeniable A-side.
But as for his opponent being sweet with that?
“Honestly, I don’t think it worries him,” Tszyu conceded.
“If anything, it’s probably more just an annoyance.
“I don’t think that stuff will change his performance.
“His manager and team probably don’t like it but that’s part of the business.”