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Tszyu talks Steward, possible ring return, Hatton comeback


Frank Stea
Senior Reporter

2011 Hall of Fame inductee and former four-time world champion Kostya Tszyu is one of the greatest fighters of this generation after becoming the first boxer in over 30 years to unify all of the light welterweight championships with his 2001 knockout win over then undefeated Zab Judah.

Lately, Tszyu has been a sought after trainer and currently guides the careers of WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin, interim WBA cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev and undefeated IBO light welterweight champion Khabib Allakhverdiev.

In his hey-day, Tszyu fought and beat some of the best fighters at 140lbs in a 13-year professional career and is also famed for his final battle in 2005, when he faced and up and coming Ricky Hatton in Manchester losing via an 11th round TKO to “the Hitman” after retiring on his stool.

The man known as “The Thunder from Down Under” recently checked in with World Boxing News to state that he isn't sure if he’s completely finished with competing inside the squared circle himself, and also shared his thoughts on the comeback of Hatton after three years out.

“I’ve never found a reason for myself to comeback. I’m not bored with my life. That’s the reason why I really never wanted to comeback,” Tszyu told WBN.

“Even though I am not officially retired, I just still can’t find the reason why I should.

“Ricky probably couldn’t find himself in his retirement.” 

The boxing world is mourning the recent loss of Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.  Tszyu shared his thoughts on Steward’s recent passing.

“It was a very very sad day for all of boxing. I’ve known Manny myself for many years and I just feel so sad. I can’t really put it into words behind the sadness. He was a great trainer. His career was amazing as he trained so many world champions and I will miss him.”

Frank Stea is co-presenter of ATG Radio as well as a senior reporter at WBN.  Follow him on Twitter @FrankStea and @ATGRadio.


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