Nikita Tszyu set to overtake older brother Tim in boxing world rankings after latest victory
Nikita Tszyu is set to be ranked higher than brother Tim for the first time as the older Tszyu faces a long road back to a world title.
Nikita is set for a domestic stadium clash with Michael Zerefa at the end of the year but Tim's future is plagued by uncertainty after losing three of his last four fights.
The younger Tszyu is ranked No.11 by the IBF but is likely to move up a spot when the rankings are updated next week, after defeating Lulzim Ismaili, stretching his undefeated streak to 12.
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Tim, who was WBO champion just two years ago, is ranked No.11 with the WBC but has not made the cut in the top 15 fighters for the IBF, WBO and WBA.
Nikita is also ranked 15th with the WBO.
Nikita Tszyu drops Lulzim Ismaili No Limit Boxing/Gregg Porteous
Tim Tszyu's dramatic slide in the last 18 months leaves the former champion on the outer, although PBC reportedly wants Tim in the ring by the end of the year, despite having a losing record in the US.
Nikita will reportedly line up against Zerafa before Christmas, in a hugely risky clash for the younger Tszyu, with potential venues including Sydney's CommBank Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
While Nikita has gained fans for his aggressive style, his defence will be severely tested by Zerafa, who was beaten in a world title fight in 2024.
Tim Tszyu after his loss against Sebastian Fundora No Limit Boxing
It's understood Team Tszyu is also in discussions with several potential international rivals, if negotiations with Zerafa stall.
Local rival Brock Jarvis is viewed as a potential replacement if the Zerafa fight falls through.
