Nikita Tszyu reveals ‘misconception’ over famous dad… and his shock admission on world title hopes

Nikita Tszyu has opened up on the “misconception” his Hall of Fame father Kostya taught him to box, stressing the honour belongs to the one man who will also determine when he fights for a world title.

Days out from Wednesday’s Main Event headliner against Spaniard Oscar Diaz, Tszyu has also told Fox Sports Australia he is willing to wait “two or three years” to eventually get a shot at super welterweight gold – despite already being talked up for showdowns against no less than Englishman Josh Kelly and American superstar Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

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And while promoters No Limit have also suggested Tszyu could be fighting for a world title this year, ‘The Butcher’ insists only one man will determine his timeline – and it isn’t the old man.

Instead, Tszyu says the decision will be made by his longtime trainer, and uncle, Igor Goloubev.

Only eight months ago, older brother Tim shocked the boxing world by splitting from both Goloubev and manager Glen Jennings.

While the move caused more than a little drama, both men remain a cornerstone of Nikita’s entourage, with the 28-year-old convinced Uncle Igor is the trainer to take him to super welterweight glory.

“Because there’s a misconception out there that my dad taught us to box,” Nikita explains. “But, no, it’s my uncle. He’s been there since day one”.

Which is why, when asked about being ready to fight for a world title this year, Nikita continues: “I’ll be ready when my uncle says I’m ready.

“He’s the one who sees me every day.

“And he’s the one who has been building me up ever since I was a kid.

“[Laughs] Because before joining his gym, I was a soccer player.

“Everything I’ve learned comes from him.

“So when he gives me the green light, I’ll go for it.”

Already, No Limit boss George Rose has said Tszyu could be ready to fight for a world title in six months.

There have also been suggestions he will go to No.3 in both IBF and WBO rankings with a victory against Diaz.

Only last week, UK promoter Eddie Hearn also declared interest in placing the younger Tszyu brother in against a number of his Matchroom stars, including IBF super welterweight champ Kelly and American superstar ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Yet when Fox Sports Australia asked this week if he is ready, right now, to fight for a super welterweight gold, Tszyu replied frankly: “I don’t think so, no.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn before I go charging for a world title.

“I think it will happen within two, maybe three years. But that’s just being truthful and honest to myself.”

So as for a growing popularity, and rise up the rankings, putting you there quicker?

“I’ve always been that voice, telling people I need to chill out,” he says. “That it’s not a race to the top.

“For me, I want to make sure that when I do get to the top I deserve to be there.

“Ensure I haven’t taken a quick road.

“Obviously my family name has helped get me to where I am right now, but moving on from here I really need to make sure I’m taking the necessary steps.”

Which again, is why he will let Goloubev make the call.

Interestingly, Tszyu also credits his famed love of woodwork to the trainer who, more than once, has been spotted doing running repairs at whatever gym he works out of.

“Before I started boxing, I was working with my uncle in construction,” Nikita continues. “He had a framing company and we were doing apartment fit outs.

“So basically from age 13, I’ve been around him, working, almost every single day.

“We understand each other, we’re honest with each other and there is no bullsh****ing between us.

“It’s clear dialogue when things are working. And clear dialogue when they aren’t.

“It’s my uncle who taught me to build and box.”

Toughest thing Igor has asked you to do?

“The first job he ever had me do,” Tszyu laughs. “It was screwing in top hats to wall exteriors for a cladding system.

“I was on scaffolding, up four storeys, and absolutely sh***ing myself. But you figure things out pretty quick.”

Same in the gym.

“I like the routine we have,” he says. “It’s really balanced between technical days and physical days.

“It’s based around consistency and we’ve developed a beautiful rhythm.”