Will Kostya Tszyu be at Tim Tszyu’s fight? Latest updates, history on boxing family

Tim Tszyu will headline the first US pay-per-view of his career when he takes on Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 30 (Mar. 31 in Australia).

With the WBO and WBC belts on the line, the Australian is aiming to unify a division like his father – Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu – did.

Kostya hasn’t seen his son fight in person since 2016 but mixed reports have swirled about his possible attendance at the upcoming bout.

MORE: Who wins Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora?

Will Kostya Tszyu be at Tim Tszyu’s next fight?

According to Fox Sports Australia, Kostya was set to attend his son’s fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

However, just one day after the initial reports, Tim himself poured cold water on the possibility, declaring his father was “not coming.”

Had Kostya attended, it would have marked just the second time the 54-year-old has watched Tim fight professionally live.

In 2016, Kostya surprised his son one day before his pro debut against Zorran Cassady.

The pair had not seen each other for four years.

MORE: Tszyu explains ’10-second’ decision to accept Fundora fight

While Tszyu won the fight, he decided to ban his father from attending any future fights.

“He was a nightmare – a pain in the ass!” Tszyu told Sporting News in 2021 about Kostya’s ringside presence.

Tim said he struggled with Kostya’s persistent yelling during the fight.

“That was the last time. I love my Dad’s support and I respect him, but it was a bit difficult,” he added.

“Maybe next time I’ll give him one of those suites far away and he can watch with binoculars.”

SHOP: Everlast, choice of champions, check the full boxing range here

Kostya Tszyu fight record, belts

Kostya is a legend of the light-welterweight class.

The Russian-Australian boxer debuted professionally in 1992, winning his first fight by TKO.

MORE: All you need to know about Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora

He became WBC light-welterweight champion just three years later, before unifying the division in 2001.

This saw him become the first man in 30 years to unify all the light welterweight division belts.

Kostya retired in 2005 with a 31-2-0 record, winning via knockout 25 times.

In 2011 he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Tszyu boxing family tree

Kostya and Tim are not the only boxers in the Tszyu family, with Tim’s younger brother Nikita also forging his own career.

The 26-year-old has won all eight fights of his professional career so far.

He most recently defeated Dylan Biggs in November 2023 to claim the Australian super welterweight title.

SHOP: Everlast, choice of champions, check the full boxing range here

What time is Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora?

Region
Date
Main Card Start Time
Main Event Ring Walks (approx.)
USA and Canada (ET)
Saturday, March 30
8 p.m. ET
11:30 p.m. ET
USA and Canada (PT)
Saturday, March 30
5 p.m. PT
8:30 p.m. PT
UK and Ireland
Sunday, March 31
12 a.m. GMT
3:30 a.m. GMT
Australia
Sunday, March 31
11 a.m. AEDT
2:30 p.m. AEDT