22.04.05 – Undisputed Super Lightweight World Champion, Kostya Tszyu, (31 wins, 1 loss, 1 no contest – 25 knockouts), will open his training doors to the sports fans of Sydney tomorrow with a lunchtime blockbuster event in Martin Place amphitheatre.
Tszyu will demonstrate his gruelling training regimen in Sydney’s busiest thoroughfare, in a purpose-built boxing ring and gym. The Russian-born pigtailed pugilist will warm up in First Fleet Park, Circular Quay, before making an historic run up Pitt St at 12 noon, accompanied by full police escort. “I’m very pleased to bring this show to my fans in Sydney,” said Tszyu. “This is my chance to give something back to them. So often I’m fighting in my opponents’ backyard, so this is a big honour for me.”
Tszyu will enter the arena at approximately 12.10pm to what organisers expect will be a crowd of several thousand awaiting fans. Australia’s most celebrated boxing champion will spar with leading middleweight contender, Sam “King” Soliman, before being put through his paces by legendary boxing trainer, Johnny Lewis..
Tszyu fans will have the opportunity to see firsthand the paralysing power that was responsible for his scintillating third-round victory over trash-talking American, Sharmba Mitchell, in November last year.
Undefeated mandatory challenger, Ricky Hatton, is Tszyu’s next target and as their highly anticipated June 5 showdown approaches, so too is Tszyu’s ominous physical and mental presence. The weapon of mass destruction that brought about Mitchell’s demise is systematically being refined in preparation for Tszyu’s world title defence.
This historic event will feature a charity auction, video presentation and Tszyu-inspired music, creating a party atmosphere in the business centre of Sydney.
“I’ll feel like Rocky in the CBD of Sydney,” joked Tszyu. “Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, but I give myself no excuses. It won’t matter if it’s raining or hailing or the sun is out – it means nothing to me. I’m saying to myself I don’t care. I only know how to train one way and with one purpose and that is what my fans will see tomorrow.”
Kostya: My Story by Kostya Tszyu on sale from May 6. This updated edition of Kostya continues the story with the fight against Jesse James Leija in January 2003 and also charts Kostya’s incredible comeback in November 2004 against Sharmba Mitchell. Available from ABC Shops, ABC Centres and most bookstores.