Definition
Tim Tszyu (born Timofei Konstantinovich Tszyu on 2 November 1994) is an Australian professional boxer who competes in the light‑middleweight (super‑welterweight) division. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior‑middleweight title from 2023 to 2024.
Overview
Tim Tszyu was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to Russian‑born parents. He is the son of former undisputed light‑welterweight world champion Kostya Tszyu and the older brother of professional boxer Nikita Tszyu. After an amateur career of 33 wins and 1 loss, he turned professional in 2016. Tszyu quickly rose through the ranks, capturing regional titles such as the WBC‑ABCO Continental light‑middleweight belt and the Commonwealth light‑middleweight title. Notable victories include wins over former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn (2020) and former world champion Tony Harrison (2023). He claimed the WBO interim junior‑middleweight title in March 2023 and was elevated to full champion later that year. As of 2025, his professional record stands at 29 fights, with 26 wins (18 by knockout) and 3 losses.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Tim Tszyu” follows East Slavic naming conventions. His given name “Timofei” is the Russian form of “Timothy.” The patronymic “Konstantinovich” indicates he is the son of a man named Konstantin (in this case, Kostya Tszyu’s Russian given name Konstantin). The surname “Tszyu” (Цзю) is of Russian/Ukrainian origin and is transliterated from Cyrillic; it does not have a specific meaning in Russian but is recognized as the family name of the former world‑champion boxer Kostya Tszyu.
Characteristics
- Physical attributes: Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm); reach 70½ in (179 cm); fights in an orthodox stance.
- Weight class: Light‑middleweight (154 lb / 69.9 kg).
- Boxing style: Known for technical proficiency, strong jab, and power punching; often described as a blend of amateur skill and professional aggression.
- Career highlights:
- WBO interim junior‑middleweight champion (March 2023).
- WBO junior‑middleweight champion (2023‑2024).
- Notable wins over Jeff Horn, Dennis Hogan, Steve Spark, Terrell Gausha, and Brian Mendoza.
- Record: 29 total bouts – 26 wins (18 by KO), 3 losses.
- Affiliations: Trained by various coaches throughout his career, including a stint in Miami under trainer Pedro Diaz.
Related Topics
- Kostya Tszyu – father, former undisputed light‑welterweight world champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.
- World Boxing Organization (WBO) – sanctioning body that awarded Tszyu the junior‑middleweight title.
- Light‑middleweight (super‑welterweight) division – weight class in which Tszyu competes.
- Boxing in Australia – broader context of the sport’s development and notable Australian fighters.
- BoxRec – database that records professional boxing statistics and fight histories.
- Boxing techniques – orthodox stance, jab, combination punching, which are characteristic of Tszyu’s style.