NIKITA Tszyu has put an Australian boxing “hex” on himself – and will be booed for the first time in his career – according to the rival team who are also demanding a close look at the scales during Tuesday’s weigh-in.
Having gone undefeated through the first seven fights of his professional career, 25-year-old Tszyu is set for a massive step up in competition when he faces Australian super welterweight champ Dylan Biggs in Newcastle on Wednesday night.
While it will be the second Pay-Per-View event Tszyu has headlined this year, Fox Sports Australia can reveal Team Biggs have already demanded that the NSW Combat Sports Authority not only calibrate the scales before fighters weigh around midday at the Civic Theatre, but that they watch it happen.
BOXING: Nikita Tszyu v Dylan Biggs WED 22nd NOV 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
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Biggs’ manager Brendon Smith also suggested the younger Tszyu brother is set to be booed for the first time in his career due to his team’s continued insistence on walking out for the fight second – an honour traditionally reserved for the champ.
Smith also hit back at suggestions by No Limit promoter George Rose that the Sydneysider would be gifted the honour because “this is the Nikita Tszyu Show”.
“This is the Tszyu show? Bulls…,” Smith fired.
“This is an incredible fight for Australia.
“Probably our biggest domestic showdown since Tim Tszyu versus Jeff Horn.
“And that’s because of both these young fighters, not just one of them.
“I’m actually surprised by the ongoing push to have Tszyu walk out second, how bad they want it.
“Because it’s doing him no favours whatsoever.
“Nikita Tszyu is losing respect by the minute.
“And they’re putting a lot of pressure on that young man.
“I think they’ll put a hex on him Wednesday night.
“I wouldn’t even be surprised if the people in Newcastle boo that young man out.”
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The longtime Queensland boxing figure, who was previously in the corner of national favourite Michael Katsidis, has also demanded to be present before Tuesday’s weigh-in to ensure the scales are calibrated, which ensures they cannot be compromised.
“We want to see the scales calibrated,” he said.
“I also want to know if the scales are provided by No Limit or the NSW Combat Authority.”
Asked what he had seen or heard to make the demand, the manager continued: “I’m not suggesting anything.
“I have just been in this sport a long time and want to ensure everything is done correctly.
“This is an Australian title fight.
“So those scales need to be calibrated on the day.
“They need to get that done and bring the certificate out.
“These boys are fighting for their futures, both of them.
“And while I think there are good people on both sides, there are some things I just don’t agree with or like.
“And I think it’s wrong for our sport.”
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So as for if his champ will stay in the dressing room to ensure he walks last?
“I’m not going to discuss that,” Smith said.
“But as you’ve seen through the whole lead up to this fight – which took Dylan five minutes to sign – you can see the respect he’s shown.
“He’s such a good role model for our sport.
“And he deserves that respect.
“It’s why I’m not surprised by the continuing interest in this story because it’s a serious part of boxing tradition you’re breaking, and disrespect you’re showing a champion.
“I still think what I said first day, it’s disrespectful and disgusting.
“And by pushing it they’re not doing that young man (Tszyu) any justice.
“Which is such a shame.
“I’d hate to see Nikita lose all his fans over this, but he’s going to.
“Dylan is gaining fans while Nikita loses them.”
During a Monday press conference at the Entertainment Quarter in Sydney, Tszyu labelled Biggs a “brat” for insisting he walk out last, while the champ replied with “I’ll do what I want” and “too bad I don’t take instructions from Nikita Tszyu”.
Tszyu v Biggs: Full Press Conference | 11:54
Rose, meanwhile, also spoke on the issue where he again confirmed it would be the younger brother of WBO world champ Tim Tszyu who walked second.
“I said what I said earlier and I stand by that, for now,” Rose said.
“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.”
Elsewhere, Smith also responded to claims made by Tszyu during a Face Off interview, where he suggested members of Team Biggs had deliberately spread, and overplayed, his being dropped in a 2021 sparring session between the pair.
“I’m glad you brought that up because nobody in our team has said anything,” the manager said.
“No one spoke about that sparring — ever.
“We’ve all been in boxing for a long time now and understand the rule of what happens in the gym stays there.
“Maybe he’s (suggesting that) to try and spice up the fight.
“I don’t know.”