Former absolute world boxing champion at junior welterweight, Russian Constantin Tszyu told that the rider always prescribes the presence of security officers, but not for protection purposes, but for discipline.
— Konstantin, you and I did a preview before the fight between Dmitry Bivol and Lyndon Arthur, and you expressed the following thought: “It is not for nothing that they say that fame and fame change people. It’s a challenge.” Didn’t your success change you at the time?
– No. These things have not changed me compared to others. But it changed my attitude towards certain things. But as a person, I haven’t changed much. It’s my point of view. Yes, I had certain bells and whistles, but I just knew my worth. I repeat, the attitude towards others has not changed. Relationships with friends who have been with me since school remain the same. When they meet me, they tell me: “You haven’t changed. »And at times there have been changes. I just started approaching things more professionally.
— Did you have any amendments and conditions, for example regarding accommodation?
– Yes. I remember a moment. I arrive at a hotel in Australia and they give me a room. I go in, but the room is so small. I go down to reception: “Girl, that’s not my number. » They are starting to convince me. ALL RIGHT. He got up – maybe he’d missed the door or something. No. Plus, someone’s suitcase is already there. I’m going back down. The same dialogue, but I already have to go on business. Usually I say to the girl at the reception: “Girl, here is my suitcase. I left for work. When I return, my suitcase should be in my room. And please put (a bottle of) Dom Pérignon ’87 champagne. I’ll be back in a few hours. Same girl: “Mr. Tszyu, we sincerely apologize to you. Your suitcase is in your room. But we have a problem. We did not find a Dom Pérignon from 1987. We found another year. But in general, I was joking with Dom Pérignon then (laughs). But you see, the joke is gone.
In general, I answer your question. Yes, there are certain things. But I am unpretentious in my work. I am very strict on discipline in terms of rider execution. During speeches where I am a speaker, I need water, coffee and security. And all the other bells and whistles… It doesn’t matter what color the car is. You need a good quality car. I travel business class. I don’t steal otherwise. The room should be good. Not necessarily five bedrooms (laughs). The only thing is further from the elevator, so it’s quieter.
In the event of non-compliance by the rider, termination will be unilateral. This is stated in the contract. In general, I have learned to take everything calmly.
— Are there any nuances from the fans? Let’s call it excessive attention.
— Artists have such problems. What do we have? There was no such thing. At the height of my fame in Australia, I always had security with me. The rider said there would be 1-2 security guards around me at the events. And it’s not to protect me, but simply for order. Well, let’s give a trivial example. I already need to start my speech, and now we’re writing an interview. And at that moment this guard comes up to us and says, “Sorry, but we have to go.” We have a work schedule,” Tszyu told .
Tszyu, 54, had his last fight in June 2005, when he lost to Ricky Hatton. In November 2001, Tszyu defeated Zab Judah to become the undisputed champion. Until January 2002, the Russian managed to keep two defenses of the three belts. Tszyu’s next fight took place in November 2004, but only the IBF title was at stake. In that fight, Tszyu defeated Shrambu Mitchell by technical knockout. Tszyu’s next fight was a meeting with Hatton. In total, Tszyu has 31 victories (21 by KO) with two defeats in the professional ring. As an amateur, Tszyu won the World Championship in 1991, became third at the World Championship in 1989, and won the Goodwill Games in 1990. He also has two gold medals at the European Championships. Tszyu is the only absolute professional world champion in Russian history.
Tszyu’s sons are also boxers. Timofey Tszyu is the WBO junior middleweight champion and Nikita Tszyu is the Australian junior middleweight champion.
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
