Junior middleweight prospect Nikita Tszyu. Picture by Robert Cianflone/Getty Photos
Australian junior middleweight champion Nikita ‘The Butcher’ Tszyu (9-0, 7 KOs) will make the second protection of his nationwide crown when he takes on Koen Mazoudier (12-3-1, 5 KOs) in late August.
The venue and date for the No Restrict pay-per-view present are but to be decided, however Sydney and Newcastle are the frontrunners to host the occasion.
The combat announcement was made in the course of the telecast of Sam Goodman’s tremendous bantamweight combat in opposition to Chainoi Worawut on the WIN Leisure Centre in Wollongong, New South Wales on Wednesday night time.
“We have been truly have been meant to combat within the amateurs one time, again in 2016, however I obtained an sickness an couldn’t truly combat that day… it’s good that we’re lastly in a position to get it going,” the 26-year-old Tsyzu mentioned in the course of the Essential Occasion pay-per-view broadcast.
Mazoudier, 28, from Blacktown in Sydney’s west, was anticipated to face Tszyu in April earlier than struggling a perforated eardrum in his fifth-round stoppage victory over Travis Druce in March.
Tszyu went on to face Danilo Creati as an alternative, pitching a digital shutout regardless of being shocked within the sixth body of their 10 spherical contest.
“It’s an thrilling combat,” mentioned Mazoudier. “I respect Nikita as a fighter, as an individual, he’s the present Australian champion, so I’m trying ahead to getting in there.”
Nikita Tszyu (proper) goes on the assault in opposition to Danilo Creati – Picture courtesy of No Restrict Boxing
Southpaw Tszyu will head to America subsequent week alongside his brother, former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu, to started camp on the Cut up T Boxing Membership in Las Vegas.
“It’s a kind of mouth-watering match-ups we’re fortunate to have for Nikita,” No Restrict CEO George Rose informed CODE Sports activities.
“I’ve at all times been a fan of Mazoudier and he’s by no means been in a foul combat. Nikita Tszyu’s by no means been in a foul combat both.
“This one’s thrilling and it’s a worthy protection in opposition to Mazoudier.”
Tsyzu has been constructing an excellent physique of labor since turning skilled two years in the past. His aggressive, entertaining model is made for TV and his defensive vulnerabilities solely add to that pleasure.
“I’m simply blissful to get going once more. I’ve had slightly day without work, slightly little bit of a relaxation. The itchiness is again to combat,” mentioned Tszyu, who has boxed simply as soon as this yr after 4 bout apiece in 2022 and 2023.
Mazoudier is a seasoned campaigner who has been aggressive even in defeat. He reversed his stoppage loss to Wade Ryan with a call victory of their rematch and holds a brace of wins of Tszyu’s stablemate Joel Camilleri.
“The expertise might be an element, however Nikita has overwhelmed a few skilled guys,” mentioned Mazoudier, who trains out of the identical Central Coast gymnasium as Goodman beneath the identical coach, Joel Keegan.
“I undoubtedly assume I’ll deliver one thing Nikita hasn’t seen earlier than within the skilled ranks, however he comes with a really skilled staff who know what they’re doing. They’re going to be ready for every thing, the identical as me. I believe we’ll have some enjoyable in there.”
Tszyu and Mazoudier have been on one another’s radar for a very long time.
“That is in all probability probably the most thrilling combat for Australian boxing this yr inside our division,” mentioned Tszyu.
“We grew up with one another within the sport of boxing. He was there for my first event, for Australian titles again in 2013 or 2014. We’ve identified one another since day one.
“However there’s no mates in boxing.”
