Born Konstantin Borisovich Tszyu on September 19, 1969 in Serov, Russia. A decorated amateur, Tszyu compiled a 259-11 record and won three European championships, gold at the 1990 Goodwill Games, represented Russia at the 1988 Olympics and beat Vernon Forrest to win the 1991 light welterweight World Amateur Championship in Australia.
He moved to Australia in 1992 where he turned pro and began a speedy march to the world title. He defeated Juan LaPorte (W 10) in his fourth bout and Livingstone Bramble (W 10) in his tenth. In only his 14th start, he defeated Jake Rodriguez (TKO 6) for the IBF junior welterweight title in 1995. Five successful defenses followed, including wins over Roger Mayweather (W 12) and Hugo Pineda (TKO 11) before being upset by Vince Phillips (TKO by 10) in 1997. In 1998 he beat Diosbelys Hurtado (TKO 5) for the interim WBC junior welterweight title and next stopped Miguel Angel Gonzalez (TKO 10) in 1999 for full WBC recognition. He consolidated titles by defeating slick WBA champ Sharmba Mitchell in seven and became unified champion with a second round TKO over IBF champion Zab Judah in 2001. Successful defenses over Ben Tackie (W 12) and Jesse James Leija (TKO 6) followed before a series of injuries saw him stripped of the WBA and WBC belts. Once healthy, he defeated Mitchell (TKO 3) before losing the IBF title to Ricky Hatton (TKO by 11) in 2005 in his final fight.
A well-conditioned and disciplined fighter, Tszyu possessed lightning-quick reflexes and a powerful right hand. His pro ledger reads 31-2, 1 NC (25 KOs) and includes wins over Calvin Grove, Rafael Ruelas and Julio Cesar Chavez. In 1995 he became an Australian citizen.
Born: Sept. 19, 1969
Bouts: 34
Won: 31
Lost: 2
NC: 1
KOs: 25
Induction: 2011
Kostya Tszyu
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