Danilo Creati has identified Nikita Tszyu’s “fragile” jaw as a potential weakness for him to exploit during this month’s title bout in Sydney.
Tszyu will look to defend his Australian super welterweight title when he faces Creati at the Hordern Pavilion on April 24, with the event to be broadcast on Main Event and streaming platform Kayo. It will be the Australian boxing champion’s first fight since he toppled Dylan Biggs in Newcastle last year, while Creati, who boasts an 8-1-1 (1 KO) professional record but has not registered a victory since 2022, is unbeaten as a super welterweight.
Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Thursday, the 34-year-old declared that he’ll target Tszyu’s jaw during their upcoming bout, comparing his rival to Ivan Drago from Rocky IV because of his privileged upbringing.
Nikita Tszyu returns to the ring for the first time in 2024 to defend his title against Danilo Creati plus another 4 big titles on the card | WED 24 APR 7PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
“He’s a human being like everyone,” Creati said.
“He’s fragile. His chin is fragile, so we’re going to go for it.
“I’ve got this romantic visualisation of me raising my hands and taking what’s mine.
“I see Nikita born in the right place with the right surname with the right system in place … the best chefs, the best doctors.”
Tszyu, who is unbeaten after eight professional fights, responded by pointing towards his chin.
“Aim right here, the left side,” Tszyu mocked.
“Come on, go for it.”
“It’s a false sense of security for them,” he continued.
“I’m happy for them to have that hope, and then I’m going to snatch it off them.”
Last month, Tszyu’s brother Tim suffered a split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas, losing his WBO light-middleweight title following a bloody encounter at T-Mobile Arena.
“Seeing all the blood, it was quite arousing for me,” Tszyu continued.
“I’m attracted to that kind of gruesomeness.
“If we can get that happening in this fight, I’m happy for it.
“I’m happy to be cut. I would love for there to be a messiness.
“Let’s bring a war … let’s get bloody.”
Creati responded: “I’m really really keen to go for a fight like that.
“I never step back.”
‘Aroused’ Nikita wants to ‘stain ring’ | 01:34
Tszyu also vowed to continue pushing for KO wins, refusing to let his fate be decided by a judging panel.
“It’s something my dad has always taught me,” he explained.
“In order to be in full control in this sport, you have to win by KO.
“You can’t let the judges decide your fate.
“That’s something that has always stuck with me since the amateur days.”