Net Worth: c. $6 Million
Age: 29
DOB: 2 November 1994
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Timofei (aka Tim) Tszyu is an Australian professional boxer who is the current holder of the WBO (World Boxing Organisation) light-middleweight title, which he attained in September 2023. The son of Kostya, the former world champion light-welterweight, Tim also has a young brother, Nikita, who is a boxer.
Partly due to his undefeated record and his infectious personality, Tim is an icon in Australia among boxing fans. Only aged 29, his best years are still very much ahead of him, which should see his record, reputation and net worth increase more rapidly.
Early Life
Tim’s father is Kostya, an undisputed champion light-welterweight boxer who was welcomed in 2011 into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. After he and his wife Natasha, moved to New South Wales in Australia, Tszyu was born in Sydney in 1994.
Ethnically speaking, Kostya, is a mix of Russian, Mongolian and Korean descent, while his mother, Natasha Anikina, is predominantly Russian.
Tim’s initial interest in sports started at the tender age of six years old when he took up gymnastics. However, he later switched to football (soccer) when he was ten, playing for various local teams at representative level. However, when he was 13 he moved temporarily to Moscow for a few months with his family, so his interest in the sport waned.
After returning to the Emerlad City, Tszyu decided to take up boxing when he was only 15 years old. Has teenager he went to St George Christian High School and then later attended Newington College. After leaving school he enrolled with the University of Technology Sydney to read a business degree.
Early Career
As an amateur, Tszyu amassed an impressive boxing record of 33 wins and one loss before turning professional at the age of 22 in 2016.
His first fight in the big leagues was against Zorran Cassady, whom he defeated by a unanimous decision in the sixth round. Two months later he went on to beat Mark Dalby by TKO in three rounds a couple of months later, before knocking out Ben Nelson and Ivana Siau and beating Adam Fitzsimmons by corner retirement in the space of two months.
This solid start to his career set the tone for more dominant performances in the ring, while his
technical prowess, power and aggressive fighting style quickly turned heads among critics and those who watched him box.
Rise to Prominence
Tim Tszyu’s continued rise to prominence was marked by a series of victories against credible opponents including Wade Ryan, Larry Siwu and Denton Vassell.
As he continued to climb the ranks, his name gained recognition not just in Australia but on the international stage. One of the defining moments in his career came in August 2018 when he faced the experienced and highly regarded Dwight Ritchie.
In a thrilling bout, Tszyu emerged victorious by unanimous decision after ten gruelling rounds, showcasing his ability to handle seasoned opponents and solidifying his status as a rising star.
His consistent success and the manner in which he dispatched his opponents began to draw comparisons to his father, Kostya Tszyu, further elevating his profile within the boxing community.
Fight Against Jeff Horn
As Tim Tszyu’s reputation continued to soar, he set his sights on international recognition. In July 2020, Tszyu faced Jeff Horn, a former WBO welterweight champion, in a highly anticipated bout. The fight was a pivotal moment for Tszyu, as a victory would not only solidify his status as a rising star but also earn him the WBO Global super-welterweight title.
In a masterful performance, Tim Tszyu dominated Horn, displaying a level of skill and composure that belied his relatively young age and experience in the professional ranks. Horn’s corner eventually threw in the towel in the eighth, which marked a turning point in Tszyu’s career, opening doors to even more significant opportunities on the global stage.
Fighting in America
Up until 26th March all of Tim’s fights had taken place in Australia. So, boxing fans wanted to see what he could do outside of the land Down Under.
He took on ‘Terrible’ Terrell Gausha at the Minneapolis Armory in Minnesota and impressed many watchers by retaining the WBO Global light-middleweight title in 12 round by unanimous points decision.
Career Record
Since turning professional Tszyu has won all 24 of his fights, including 17 by TKO. Some of the most notable opponents he has beaten include Jeff Horn, Terrell Gausha (who won the 2012 Olympics), Dennis Hogan and Tony Harrison.
Statistics
Tszyu fights in the light-middleweight division. He is 5 foot 9 inches tall and has a reach of 179 cm. His stance is orthodox.
Fighting Style and Technical Prowess
Tim Tszyu’s fighting style is a blend of aggression, precision, and technical proficiency. He possesses a powerful jab, solid defensive skills, and a relentless work ethic inside the ring. His ability to adapt to different opponents and adjust his strategy mid-fight has been a key factor in his success.
Tszyu’s offensive skills are evident in his knockout ratio, showcasing his capability to finish fights decisively. However, he is not a one-dimensional fighter; Tszyu has displayed a well-rounded skill set that includes effective counter-punching and strategic movement.
Impact on Australian Boxing
Tim Tszyu’s impact on Australian boxing cannot be overstated. In a sport where international recognition is often a measure of success, Tszyu has become a flagbearer for Australian boxing on the global stage. His victories have sparked renewed interest in the sport within the country, inspiring a new generation of aspiring boxers and boxing lovers.