Kostya Tszyu has been to only one of his son’s fights: the first one. And even if he fights for a world title, Tim doesn’t want him to add to the tally.

“Dad was chaos when he came to the fight, he was out of control,” Tszyu jnr said. “It’s better that I do things separately, that I do things on my own.”

Loading

When Tim Tszyu made his professional debut, against Zorran Cassady in 2016, Kostya flew in from Russia to surprise him. It was the first time the pair had seen each other in years, Kostya hoping his presence would provide a boost on the momentous occasion.

There’s a reason Kostya hasn’t been ringside since.

The former world champion wasn’t able to stay in the background. Kostya imposed himself in the lead-up to and during the fight at the SCG. In Tim’s corner were grandfather Boris, trainer Igor Goloubev and manager Glen Jennings, the same top team that guided Kostya to the top of the fight game. But the only voice Tim could hear when he got into the ring was that of his old man.

If Tszyu jnr defeats fellow Australian Dennis Hogan at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old’s next fight will likely be for a world title. But would he want Kostya to be present for the biggest fight of his life?

“He won’t be having front-row tickets, that’s for sure,” Tim said. “That’s the thing, I’ve done things my own way.

“For me, I love the support, and my dad is always supportive. He hasn’t been there and I have done it all myself. I’m used to doing things the way I want to do it.