Nikita Tszyu’s hyped America debut has finally arrived – and on the undercard of an American superstar who grew up idolising his Hall of Fame father.
In huge news for Australia’s unbeaten super welterweight star, Fox Sports Australia can confirm promoters No Limit have secured Tszyu a place on David Benavidez’s upcoming December 6 showcase in Arizona showcase.
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Speaking on Friday morning, Tszyu said he was excited to be following in the footsteps of his legendary father Kostya, and older brother Tim, while No Limit boss George Rose declared US fight fans “are about to fall in love” with The Butcher.
“Nikita Tszyu is ready for the world,” Rose enthused, “and now the world gets to see him”.
With Tszyu now ranked top five with both the IBF and WBO, the 28-year-old is set to share a card that also sees unbeaten American Vergil Ortiz Jnr throw down against the legendary Keith Thurman.
In the main event, Benavidez will be defending cruiserweight gold against Michal Cieslak, while others set to appear include the unbeaten Emiliano Vargas and Marco Romero.
And in a wonderful twist, the venue for Tszyu’s first fight on American soil – the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona – is also where the old man claimed what would be the final victory of his storied career.
Now, 22 years on, his son announces himself Stateside inside those same walls.
Benavidez is also no stranger to Australia’s number one fight family, and has previously listed Kostya Tszyu among his favourite fighters.
In fact, the fighter dubbed ‘Monster’ has also spent time training with Tim Tszyu in Miami, Florida, with the pair striking up a friendship in late 2025 when the Sydneysider was working under coach Pedro Diaz.
Speaking after having his US debut confirmed early Friday morning, Nikita Tszyu said of the opportunity: “I’m excited to be making my US debut, and to be on a massive David Benavidez card is truly an honour.
“He’s the most exciting fighter in the world. He comes forward, he hurts people and he never gives anyone an easy night.
“That’s the kind of fighting I respect. I also like to fight with that warrior mentality.”
Rose also praised what is a huge opportunity for his unbeaten star.
“This is the one,” he declared. “We’ve been planning Nikita’s American debut for a long time and he’s earned it. Now he gets to do it on one of the biggest stages in world boxing.
“David Benavidez is a superstar. Add Vergil Ortiz Jr, Keith Thurman and Emiliano Vargas and this card is as stacked as it gets.
“Nikita belongs on a night like this and he’s going to prove it.
“Australian fight fans already know what Nikita brings. He’s aggressive, he’s explosive and he’s box office every time he steps through the ropes.
“To boxing fans in America and around the world watching, you’re about to fall in love with Nikita Tszyu.”
Tszyu also spoke enthusiastically about making his US debut in the same city that his father had his final win.
Way back in 2004, Kostya dropped Sharmba Mitchell four times within three rounds to reclaim the IBF super lightweight crown.
That win also marked the last of Tszyu’s career, with ‘The Thunder From Down Under’ retiring just seven months later after suffering an upset loss against Englishman Ricky Hatton.
More recently, older brother Tim – who is readying for his own showdown with WBA middleweight champ Erislandy Lara – has lost three straight title fights Stateside after winning his 2022 debut there against Terrell Gausha.
However, should ‘The Phoenix’ now become a two-division champion against Lara, it will cap one of Australia’s greatest sporting comeback stories.
Similarly, Nikita Tszyu is now looking to forge his own path, albeit in tandem with his family’s famed history.
“Arizona is where my father had his last victory, so it holds a special place in our family legacy,” the fighter said.
“It will be special to write the next chapter of the Tszyu story there.
“I’ve been building for this moment and am ready for this next step in my career. I can’t wait for December 6.”
Rose agreed, adding: “You couldn’t script it better.
“Kostya’s last win came in that very same arena. Fight fans loved Kostya, and they’re going to love Nikita. This is a massive day for Nikita, for the Tszyu legacy and for Australian boxing.”
‘8-4’ – Nikita makes his case vs Mahoney | 01:18
Certainly Benavidez is no stranger to the Tszyu family.
In fact, the unified cruiserweight champ – who is also eyeing off a 2027 showdown with Australia’s Jai Opetaia — has previously spent time training, hanging out and even doing a BOXR podcast with the eldest of Australia’s famed fighting brothers.
Speaking prior to Tim Tszyu’s fight against Anthony Velasquez, the first of what has since been a run of three straight wins – including an emphatic upset against Errol Spence Jnr in July – Benavidez tipped the Sydneysider to become a world champion again.
The American superstar also outed Kostya as one of his favourite fighters ever.
“What I like about his father, extremely strong right hand,” the champ said. “He sets his body shots up with the right hand too.
“Vicious fighter, vicious finisher.
“I was actually just getting my haircut and watching him fight a Cuban dude … vicious body shot.
“In my opinion, he had the style of [Gennady] Golovkin before Golovkin came in the scene. One of my all time favourites.”
Tszyu’s US debut will come little more than three months on from his contentious draw against fellow Aussie Ben Mahoney, who was himself unbeaten and world ranked coming into their late August bout.