BoxRec

THE likenesses are uncanny. The determination in the eyes, the stance, the self-belief. For devotees of one of this country's finest boxing sons - even an adopted one - it's like watching a reincarnation of the younger Kostya Tszyu.

But with lineage like his, it's perhaps no great surprise that young Tim Tszyu has seasoned judges sitting bolt upright at his technique and speed.

At just 14, Tim has hit the ring running - three fights in a fortnight, for three wins - as he takes his first surefooted steps into an amateur career. Saturday's win over Zak Dad was possibly the most symbolic. It came inside the old man's own boxing ring, at the Tszyu Boxing Academy in Rockdale. Not that Kostya was there to see it, or either of the previous two, as he is on an extended trip to Russia.

Boxing: See our special section

Which may actually be how he prefers it. Those who know the family say they are protective of Tim's fledgling forays into the ring, acutely aware of the spotlight that will follow.

But the evidence so far has many suggesting there will be plenty of attention for all the right reasons, Tim seeing off his three opponents so far with an efficiency that suggests there is much more to come. It's an intriguing take on the old nature/nurture debate - how much of his talent was born and how much has come from observing his father for his whole life.

"I have to be honest, I do believe there is something genetic. Look, they breed racehorses, don't they?" is the view of Paul Toweel, former world-class welterweight and now a senior amateur official with NSW Boxing.

"You look at the Waugh brothers, or my own family with two world champions. I do believe that maybe his dad has passed on something special to him. But you have to be so careful not to heap the pressure on him, it's such early days. It's really tough to live up to the expectations that come with a famous name. But he's a good kid."

The Newington College student was also making waves in the soccer world - playing for St George - but seems to have felt the calling of the ring only recently. Now he's making up for lost time.

"He's the spitting image of his father, and he seems to have it instinctively," Toweel said. "He's only 14, but he boxes like someone older and much more experienced."

But he warned that carrying the family name into the ring would provide an incentive for opponents.

"People will want the scalp just because of the name, it's only natural. When I told one kid who he was fighting he was so excited," Toweel said. "Then there are the people in the industry who want a piece of the action, maybe want to cash in.

"But he's got good people around him who will make sure he does everything right. His mother was there yesterday (at his Rockdale bout) and his grandfather. And of course Igor (Goloubev, Kostya's brother-in-law and the academy's head trainer) trains him really well, they'll all make sure he goes about it the right way."

BOXING legend Kostya Tszyu says his son will turn to professional boxing rather than pursue a career in the amateur ranks.
Tszyu has confirmed his son will return to defend his Golden Gloves crown at Caboolture this weekend.
And in a major boost for one of Australia’s biggest boxing tournaments, Kostya will be ringside as teenage sensation Tim looks to improve on his flawless 15-fight amateur record.
While the Golden Gloves will feature some of Australia’s best amateur boxers, Kostya said Tim would soon move in to the big world of professional boxing.
``Definitely he won’t fight amateur. It’s too difficult to reach that level ... some countries like Cuba and Russia are too dominant,’’ Kostya said.
``I’m going to mentor him and definitely manage him. He won’t make the same mistakes as me.’‘
Speaking with Quest Newspapers before he arrives in town on Friday, Tszyu Sr said he was looking forward to seeing his prodigy in the ring, having only been at a handful of his contests.
``I’m looking forward to it, more than him,’’ Tszyu joked.

iron rhino wrote:Looks a lil young right now,the yard stick I see is THE DAY HE GIVES HIS DAD A RUN FOR HIS MONEY IS THE DAY HE TURNS PRO!!

toppity wrote:^^or, the other more likely option, is for a 14 y.o. to make you look like a goose.

ben k wrote:There is a young Amature fighter here in Perth who is around 16, He is a future Star IMO. He is fighting against Senior Pro's and beats most of them. He is trained by Pat Devellerez who was Danny Green's first trainer.