Tszyu opens camp for Judah super-fight

By Paul Upham: WBC and WBA super-lightweight champion Kostya Tszyu, 27-1-1 (22), opens his training camp in Australia’s capital of Canberra on Monday in what will be an intense 10 week preparation for his long-awaited unification clash with IBF champion Zab Judah ,27-0 (21) 1 NC, on November 3.

“I’m going to the Australian Institute of Sport next week and I’m going to spend two weeks on a really hard training routine,” said Tszyu.

“This particular time I’m thinking of engaging another fitness trainer for different exercises. I’ll then come back to Sydney for my sparring sessions. I will have three of four sparring partners to assist me for this preparation. A couple of local guys, one who I have already used for my preparation when I fought Sharmba Mitchell. I look forward to my training.”

The official announcement of the Tszyu-Judah fight is expected shortly, with promoter Vlad Warton currently in the USA finalising details for the promotion, which is now likely to be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, broadcast in the US on Showtime.

The 31-year-old Tszyu and 23-year-old Judah both made successful title defences on June 23 on the same card at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, USA. Tszyu recorded a unanimous 12-round points victory over Turk Oktay Urkal, while Judah stopped Denmark’s Allan Vester in the third round.


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor