Kostya Tszyu, known as “The Thunder from Down Under,” is a legendary figure in the world of boxing.
His remarkable career, spanning from the amateur ranks to becoming an undisputed world champion, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Let’s dive into the life and career of this extraordinary boxer, exploring his personal details, professional achievements, and the legacy he’s created in the ring.
Kostya Tszyu’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Konstantin Borisovich Tszyu |
| Nickname | The Thunder from Down Under |
| Born | September 19, 1969 |
| Age | 55 |
| College | Did not attend |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Russian-Australian |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 1992 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 million |
| Spouse | Tatiana Averina (m. 2015) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @kostyatszyu |
Early Career
Kostya Tszyu’s journey in boxing began in his hometown of Serov, Russia. As a hyperactive child, his father introduced him to boxing to channel his energy.
Tszyu quickly showed promise, impressing Soviet amateur team coaches. He traveled extensively with the Soviet Union’s amateur boxing training camps, competing in tournaments across more than 30 countries.
Professional Career
Tszyu turned professional in 1992 after immigrating to Australia. His rise through the ranks was meteoric. In 1995, he captured his first world title, the IBF Light Welterweight Championship, by defeating Jake Rodriguez.
Tszyu’s career reached its pinnacle in 2001 when he became the undisputed light-welterweight champion, holding the IBF, WBC, and WBA titles simultaneously.
Wife
Kostya Tszyu is currently married to Tatiana Averina. They tied the knot in 2015, marking Tszyu’s second marriage. His first marriage was to Natasha Anikina, whom he married in 1993 and divorced in 2013.
Tszyu has 5 children in total. From his first marriage to Natasha, he has 3 children: Tim, Nikita, and Anastasia.
Kostya Tszyu’s Net Worth Details
Kostya Tszyu’s net worth is estimated to be $2.5 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Fight | Opponent | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|
| November 2001 | Zab Judah | $2 million |
| June 2005 | Ricky Hatton | $3 million |
| November 2004 | Sharmba Mitchell II | $1.5 million |
| January 2003 | Jesse James Leija | $1 million |
| May 2002 | Ben Tackie | $800,000 |
| July 2000 | Julio César Chávez | $750,000 |
Endorsements
- Everlast – Boxing equipment manufacturer
- Nike – Sportswear giant
- Powerade – Sports drink brand
- Optus – Australian telecommunications company
- TAB – Australian betting agency
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 34 |
| Wins | 31 |
| Wins by KO | 25 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No Contests | 1 |
Notable Opponents:
| Opponent | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ricky Hatton | Loss (TKO) | June 2005 |
| Sharmba Mitchell | Win (TKO) | November 2004 |
| Zab Judah | Win (TKO) | November 2001 |
| Julio César Chávez | Win (TKO) | July 2000 |
| Miguel Ángel González | Win (TKO) | August 1999 |
| Vince Phillips | Loss (TKO) | May 1997 |
| Roger Mayweather | Win (UD) | June 1995 |
FAQs
What was Kostya Tszyu’s amateur record?
Kostya Tszyu had an impressive amateur record of 259 wins and 11 losses, showcasing his dominance even before turning professional.
How did Kostya Tszyu get the nickname “The Thunder from Down Under”?
This nickname was given to him after he moved to Australia and began his professional career, reflecting both his powerful punching and his adopted home country.
What was Kostya Tszyu’s most famous fight?
While opinions may vary, many consider his 2001 fight against Zab Judah, where he unified the light-welterweight titles, to be his most famous and significant bout.
How many world titles did Kostya Tszyu win?
Tszyu won multiple world titles in the light-welterweight division, including the IBF, WBC, and WBA championships. He was the undisputed champion from 2001 to 2005.
What is Kostya Tszyu doing now?
After retiring from boxing, Tszyu has been involved in coaching and mentoring boxers. He also runs a restaurant in Moscow and makes occasional public appearances related to boxing.
How did Kostya Tszyu’s boxing style differ from other fighters of his era?
Tszyu was known for his exceptional technique, powerful right hand, and ability to adapt his style to different opponents. He combined elements of his Soviet amateur background with a more aggressive professional style.
What impact has Kostya Tszyu had on Australian boxing?
Tszyu significantly raised the profile of boxing in Australia, becoming one of the country’s most successful and popular boxers. His success paved the way for future Australian fighters on the world stage.
How many of Kostya Tszyu’s children are involved in professional boxing?
Two of Kostya Tszyu’s sons, Tim and Nikita, have followed in their father’s footsteps and become professional boxers.
What was Kostya Tszyu’s last professional fight?
Tszyu’s last professional fight was against Ricky Hatton in June 2005, where he lost by TKO when his corner stopped the fight after the 11th round.
Has Kostya Tszyu been inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame?
Yes, Kostya Tszyu was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport and his status as one of the greatest light-welterweights in boxing history.
