Nikita Tszyu vows to exploit 'loophole into psychopathic desires' in clash with unbeaten rival
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Nikita Tszyu has delivered another trademark glimpse into his mind as the Australian boxing superstar prepares to meet an unbeaten rival this week.
The 28-year-old will step back into the ring on Wednesday night against Spain's Oscar Diaz, just months after his bout with Michael Zerafa ended in controversial fashion.
Tszyu is looking to break through onto the world stage and is currently No.6 on the IBF's junior middleweight world rankings - two spots higher than his brother Tim - and a win over a fellow ranked opponent in Diaz will only help his cause.
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Nikita Tszyu. No Limit Boxing/Gregg Porteous
While the second-generation Aussie boxer will start as favourite when the pair meet, Diaz made his intentions clear during the pre-fight press conference.
"[I'm going to] take him out early," the Spaniard said via a translator.
He also vowed to rename Newcastle - or Tszyu-Castle, as it's affectionately known due to the family's success in the city - in his honour as "Diaz-Castle".
Tszyu responded stoically and then gave a typically unique insight into his plans for the fight, admitting he hopes things "get messy" inside the ring.
"Easier said than done," Tszyu said.
"You have to be confident in this sport and without confidence, you're kind of screwed.
"I've experienced this all before, everyone says they're gonna take me out and it hasn't happened yet. There's gonna be a lot of unknowns in this fight and I'll need to be adapting to his style and his rhythm … but we'll eventually figure it out.
Nikita Tszyu and Oscar Diaz face off during an open workout. Getty
"Once you see that belief fade, that's one of the sweetest things in this sport. I love boxing, simply for my ability to just hurt someone and I get to do it legally and this is a fantastic sport and a little loophole in my psychopathic desires.
"We're gonna have a very fun time. It could get messy and I really hope it does."
Tszyu (11-0, 1 no contest) has already headlined his fair share of pay-per-view cards on home soil, but defeating Diaz (16-0) would undoubtedly help his standing overseas.
The card on Wednesday night will also feature the likes of Callum Peters and Rahim Mundine - the son of Australian sporting royalty, Anthony.
