Tszyu Triumphs with a TKO Victory, Eyes Future Showdowns

Nikita Tszyu is contemplating his next steps after achieving a decisive victory against Lulzim Ismaili, who had previously remained undefeated, with a first-round TKO. The bout took place at the ICC Sydney Theatre, where Ismaili's corner chose to stop the fight following a significant onslaught from Tszyu, known as "The Butcher."

Making a highly anticipated return to the ring after spending a year recovering from hand surgery, Tszyu wasted no time in demonstrating his skills, landing powerful left punches to quickly gain the upper hand. He finalized the fight with a devastating liver shot that resulted in a rib injury for Ismaili, bringing Tszyu's professional record to 11-0 and earning him the vacant WBO intercontinental super-welterweight title. This victory also bolstered the Tszyu family's impressive record in Australia to 52-0, which includes Tszyu's father, Kostya, and his brother Tim, both of whom remain undefeated in their professional careers at home.

Following his victory, Tszyu expressed that his motivation extended beyond personal ambition, as he aimed to honor his newborn daughter and silence critics who had pointed out the losses suffered by his older brother in recent title fights in the US. Tszyu acknowledged the ups and downs of boxing, reflecting on the importance of celebrating both victories and losses, as they are integral parts of the sport.

The success of Tszyu has set the stage for a potential showdown with Michael Zerafa, who also secured a quick victory in the co-main event against American Mikey Dahlman. Zerafa, a former world title challenger, managed to overwhelm Dahlman with a significant right punch early in their encounter, eventually leading to a TKO victory. While he expressed a desire to face Tim Tszyu, Zerafa also indicated he is willing to fight Nikita, even if it means settling domestic rivalries before pursuing international opportunities. Zerafa emphasized that his ultimate goal is to become a world champion and not merely to engage in domestic contests with the Tszyu brothers.