By Mark Vester
According to the Risum Press, former undisputed 140-pound champion Kostya Tszyu is planning to start his own consulting/promotional company to help Russian professional boxers that are being taken advantage of by the system. He hopes to unite all Russian fighters under one banner in order to make sure they are treated right.
“I believe the Soviet boxing school to be the strongest in the world," said Kostya Tszyu. "All recent successes of the school representatives does not surprise me. Moreover, victories should have been achieved much earlier. The reason is this: we do not yet have a sound organization that would exclusively be occupied with and protect the rights of our Russian boxers."
Tszyu has leaned back and watched Russian fighters being taken for a ride by their promoters who are based in America, he can no longer stand back and watch what he feels is a miscarriage of justice.
"They are unprotected; western promoters do to them as they please. I will establish such a union. I am sure the guys will join me. Consider, for example, Roman Karmazin; he is an excellent boxer, the current world champion. But he received next to nothing for his championship fight. Then he was toyed around by his promoter Don King, expecting to fight an opponent. I will not allow this kind of stuff happen.”
Tszyu said that he is not concerned with American promoters who may be angered by his decision to get involved. He plans to move forward and even work for free with fighters who may not have the money to get help. The most important thing Tszyu wants Russian fighters to know is that unlike others in the sport, he is not getting involved with the mindset of making a profit.
“It is a hobby; I am not going to use the guys to make money. Even signing a contract will not be necessary. If necessary, I will give advice and consult absolutely free. The guys should know their rights. I know my coming will not be welcomed by many western boxing sponsors, but I will come anyway.”
