When it comes to students of the game, few boxers are more attentive than Tim Tszyu.
Ahead of his world title rematch with Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas this weekend, the Australian is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to live out a long-held dream by fighting in the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In doing so, he’ll walk the path trodden by his famous father, former undisputed welterweight world champion Kostya Tszyu.
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In 1995, Kostya completely outclassed world champion Jake Rodriguez at the 17,000-seat venue, dominating every exchange and eventually forcing the stoppage in the sixth round, seeing him collect his first world title, the IBF super lightweight crown.
Then, in 2001, the arena, which has seen over 100 world title bouts, hosted Tszyu’s most famous victory, his second-round knockout of Zab Judah which left the cocky American a stumbling mess and crowned the Russian-born Aussie the undisputed king of the 147-pound division.
More than two decades on, Kostya’s oldest son will make that same walk.
“This is what it’s all about for me. You can fight for world titles, you can fight for this type of stuff, but to be fighting on this stage, this platform, not many people get to do that,” Tszyu told Sporting News in Las Vegas.
“It’s a big moment for our family ancestors.
“The greats have been there, they’ve lived and breathed through it. I want to feel that presence, I want to feel the spirit of all the hardened warriors over the years.
“This is the OG and it’s a big dream of mine. This is the Mecca. Of course you want to do Madison Square Garden one day, but for me, the MGM, Las Vegas, this is where boxing is at.”
Tszyu made his Las Vegas debut last March at the T-Mobile Arena.
That occasion turned into a bloody nightmare for the then-undefeated Sydneysider, as a nasty cut on his head forced him to fight through the compromised vision for 10 rounds, ultimately seeing him drop a split decision to Fundora.
Having defended his world titles once, Fundora sportingly granted Tszyu a rematch, with the pair to do battle a second time as the chief support to eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring.
Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings, who also worked alongside his father, spoke about the significance of the occasion.
“It’s nearly 25 years since Zab Judah. I can’t believe that’s gone but the memories are so vivid,” Jennings told Sporting News.
“I’ve got great memories of that night, the ‘chicken dance’ and Kostya winning.
“I’m so happy for Tim to be able to go down that same walkway, that same dressing room into the same arena into a sellout crowd.
“This is the ultimate for Tim. It doesn’t get any better.”
Following Fundora’s surprise win over Tszyu last year, there was uncertainty around the existence of a rematch clause.
Jennings this week confirmed there was no doubt this time around and that a trilogy between the pair was a distinct possibility depending on the result this weekend.
“Sebastian’s the champ, of course there’s another rematch clause. There could be a trilogy,” Jennings said.
“[Fundora] was respectful and he honoured the rematch clause from fight one.
“He had to hand over a belt to do it and we’re very respectful of that.
“When Tim beats him Saturday, there will be an opportunity to ignite another rematch clause.
“It would probably be a great trilogy to do in Australia and that would be where we would love to take it but let’s see how it all goes.
“If all goes well, in a perfect world, that’s something we’ll talk about on Monday.
“It has to be built. That’ll be a chapter on Saturday night. If it’s a compelling fight, absolutely.
“If it’s a complete and utter shutout, I don’t know, Sebastian may not want a trilogy. We’ll see where that lands after Saturday night.”
For Tszyu himself, he’s out to put it to bed once and for all at one of the sport’s greatest arenas.
“I intend to put a fullstop, cross out the ‘un’ from the ‘finished business’ and get it over and done with,” he said.
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