By Rick Reeno

We are only a few weeks away from the very anticipated rematch between Kostya Tszyu and Sharmba Mitchell. The main question mark in this fight is whether or not the near two year layoff for Tszyu will be an issue for him. There are some experts that feel Sharmba Mitchell has been too active for his own good and may come into this fight spent. Everyone seems to expect a very good grudge match between these two men, the winner expected to move up to the welterweight division for big money fights.

BoxingScene caught up with Kostya Tszyu to get a few comments regarding the anticipated match up.

BoxingScene: We are only a few short weeks away from the fight. How do you feel physically and mentally coming into this fight?

Tszyu: I have been training harder for this fight then for any of my other opponents. I am in great shape. I feel very confident, very strong, I will not allow myself to lose. When I get in the ring, Mitchell will not be able to beat me.

BoxingScene: There have been rumors that you are having trouble making weight for this fight.

Tszyu: There are no problems making the weight for the fight, everything is under control.

BoxingScene: So much has been made over your inactivity, nearly two years on the shelf. Now some experts are starting to side with the notion that Sharmba having so many matches in a short period of time may be as much of a factor as your inactivity.

Tszyu: Of course it is. You need to give your body the proper rest between fights. Even if a fight is only one round, you train for a full fight. A boxer who trains for too long without any rest will hurt his body because the stamina will not be the same when they are in a hard long fight.

BoxingScene: Everyone is still making a big deal over the fact that Mitchell has fought three times this year alone since you have been injured. Why do you think that so many experts feel that this will be a factor coming into this fight?

Tszyu: Why would it effect this fight? Mitchell has fought nobodies. Anyone can stay busy fighting noone. The experts forget that Mitchell is not a young fighter, to stay busy with no rest for the body will hurt him. When we fight, everyone will see the difference in the late rounds. My conditioning will be better then Mitchell because my body had a long time to recover from training for so many years.

BoxingScene: This could be a career defining fight for you and could take you to the next level.

Tszyu: I expect a great win.

BoxingScene: Are there any set plans beyond Mitchell? Many are saying Gatti or Cory Spinks. There is word that promoter Murad Muhammad has made you an offer of $5.4 million dollars for your next fight. Where do you go after Mitchell?

Tszyu: Nothing is set for the future. I am only concerned about the fight with Sharmba Mitchell. Once I beat Sharmba Mitchell then I will see who to fight in the future.

BoxinScene: Thank you for your time Kostya and good luck in your next fight.