Nikita Tszyu prepares for IBF world title eliminator

Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu is preparing to face Ben Mahoney in an IBF world title eliminator on the Gold Coast this Wednesday night. Known by the nickname ‘Butcher,’ the unbeaten 28-year-old has gained notoriety for his intense and aggressive psychological approach to boxing.

Despite his reputation for issuing chilling warnings to rivals, former opponent Koen Mazoudier described Tszyu as a ‘good bloke’ following a recent conversation between the two. Mazoudier, who is scheduled to fight Sam Beck on the No Limit undercard, noted that Tszyu showed a more human side during a recent car ride together.

Tszyu has previously cited his motivation as being driven by the protection of his daughter, Curiosity, born last year. He also demonstrated a protective nature in 2014 when he stopped a fight in Florida to prevent his brother, Tim, from further injury during a world-title match.