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Tszyu eager to fight again, if the price is right
Email Printer friendly version Normal font Large font April 18, 2008
FORMER boxing world champion Kostya Tszyu says a return to the ring is a real possibility.
Once styled the undisputed junior welterweight world champion, Tszyu has not fought since losing his IBF light welterweight crown to Englishman Ricky Hatton on June 4, 2005.
Three years is a long time out of the ring, but the 38-year-old spoke yesterday as someone with unfinished business in the fight game, if the right deal can be struck.
Looking fit and healthy and still sporting his trademark plaited ponytail, Tszyu conceded he was a long way from fighting shape, but said he would be willing and able to put in the work required for a comeback.
"I never announced my retirement - it's all about opportunities," he said. "I'm extremely busy. The only reason I'd fight again is if it's a big challenge. Right now I have so many other things to do.
"Who's it going to be? Any big names, I'm fine with this. Any. But it has to be the right deal.
"I will prepare myself for four or five months. Compared to normal people, I'm fit. I train every day, once a day.
"But compared to boxing fitness, it's very, very different."
Hatton shocked Tszyu in Manchester, when the Australian refused to get off his stool in the 11th round and lost for just the second time in a 34-fight, 14-year career.
The Thunder from Down Under would fight Hatton again "if the fight makes sense to me and makes sense to him", but he doesn't feel the need to set the record straight.
Former trainer Johnny Lewis has said he does not want Tszyu to fight again and will not train him, but the Russian-born boxer believes Lewis can be persuaded to change his mind.
"After my last fight he said he doesn't want to train anyone any more," Tszyu said. "But he's come back and he's still training some other fighters. It's a passion for Johnny. It's so hard to walk away from something you've done for so many years.
"It's another reason why I'm afraid to say 'that's it'. I'm honestly afraid because this year it's 30 years since I started my boxing career.
"He said he doesn't want me to fight. He said he'll never train anyone, but he's there. If it's a big fight, I think Johnny will come."
As he rated the chances of a return, Tszyu apologised to wife Natasha, who was in the room.
"Percentage? Forty. I think it's a big percentage," he said. "Less than 50 but still 40. Sorry, my darling [Natasha]. Thank God my mum's not here. I'm realistically saying it's still a big chance."
AAP
Email Printer friendly version Normal font Large font April 18, 2008
FORMER boxing world champion Kostya Tszyu says a return to the ring is a real possibility.
Once styled the undisputed junior welterweight world champion, Tszyu has not fought since losing his IBF light welterweight crown to Englishman Ricky Hatton on June 4, 2005.
Three years is a long time out of the ring, but the 38-year-old spoke yesterday as someone with unfinished business in the fight game, if the right deal can be struck.
Looking fit and healthy and still sporting his trademark plaited ponytail, Tszyu conceded he was a long way from fighting shape, but said he would be willing and able to put in the work required for a comeback.
"I never announced my retirement - it's all about opportunities," he said. "I'm extremely busy. The only reason I'd fight again is if it's a big challenge. Right now I have so many other things to do.
"Who's it going to be? Any big names, I'm fine with this. Any. But it has to be the right deal.
"I will prepare myself for four or five months. Compared to normal people, I'm fit. I train every day, once a day.
"But compared to boxing fitness, it's very, very different."
Hatton shocked Tszyu in Manchester, when the Australian refused to get off his stool in the 11th round and lost for just the second time in a 34-fight, 14-year career.
The Thunder from Down Under would fight Hatton again "if the fight makes sense to me and makes sense to him", but he doesn't feel the need to set the record straight.
Former trainer Johnny Lewis has said he does not want Tszyu to fight again and will not train him, but the Russian-born boxer believes Lewis can be persuaded to change his mind.
"After my last fight he said he doesn't want to train anyone any more," Tszyu said. "But he's come back and he's still training some other fighters. It's a passion for Johnny. It's so hard to walk away from something you've done for so many years.
"It's another reason why I'm afraid to say 'that's it'. I'm honestly afraid because this year it's 30 years since I started my boxing career.
"He said he doesn't want me to fight. He said he'll never train anyone, but he's there. If it's a big fight, I think Johnny will come."
As he rated the chances of a return, Tszyu apologised to wife Natasha, who was in the room.
"Percentage? Forty. I think it's a big percentage," he said. "Less than 50 but still 40. Sorry, my darling [Natasha]. Thank God my mum's not here. I'm realistically saying it's still a big chance."
AAP
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