Interview With Kostya Tszyu

By Ed Ludwig

17.04 - This evening I had the pleasure of speaking with the Undisputed Jr. Welterweight Champion Kostya Tszyu. On November 3rd of last year he defeated the highly touted Zab Judah by a second round TKO to become only the third undisputed champion in boxing today. Tszyu (28-1-1 23 KO’s) is set to defend his championship for the first time against mandatory contender Ben “Wonder” Tackie (24-2 15 KO’s) on May 18th in Las Vegas Nevada. The bout will be televised on Showtime in the United States. I would like to thank Kostya Tszyu for taking the time from his busy schedule to speak with Eastside Boxing also a special thank you to Kate Morton for making this interview possible.

Ed Ludwig: How long have you been in training for your May 18th title defence against Ben Tackie?

Kostya Tszyu: For this particular fight I started training after the new-year and I am in very good shape. I am taking this fight very seriously.

EL: Do you view Ben Tackie as a legitimate threat?

KT: I’m not saying he is a threat but I am taking him very seriously. I’m training very hard and I want to put on a good performance. That is very important to me.

EL: How has your life changed since defeating Zab Judah and becoming the undisputed champion?

KT: Not much has changed really. I have become more recognizable in North America and here in Australia people always knew who I was and have always supported me.

EL: Do you believe you exposed Zab Judah as an over-hyped boxer?

KT: Yes, I did a great job and I am very pleased

EL: What did you think of Judah after the first round and did you make an adjustment in the second round or did you stick to your original game plan?

KT: The first round was not part of my original plan. Judah is fast and you have to take him apart slowly. I felt I was under control after the first round. The good thing was that I had a lot of time.

EL: Will you eventually move up to Welterweight or are you happy where you are?

KT: I am really happy right now with myself and this division. I just take one fight at a time and I will see where I go from there.

EL: You are living every boxers dream. What is left for you to accomplish now that you are the undisputed champion?

KT: Really, nothing much. I just have to defend the title each time I step in to the ring. I want to finish my career on a high note.

EL: What would being in the Boxing Hall Of Fame mean to you?

KT: It would be a really big honour.

EL: Would you like to defend your titles in Australia?

KT: I would love too and one day it might happen.

EL: Boxers who have unified titles in the past would drop a belt or get stripped because of the three mandatory contenders. Will you be able to handle the pressure of everyone wanting a shot at you?

KT: I’m happy with everything and I look forward to facing all the number one contenders.

EL: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

KT: I don’t look too far ahead but I am going to be successful.

EL: Would you like to say something to your fans?

KT: I would like to thank everyone for all the support. I am really happy and I will continue to do my best. I am especially happy to meet my fans. Thank you.