Boxing Tim Tszyu mum Natalia makes shock revelation ahead of world title rematch with Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas
Natalia Tszyu has flown to Vegas for her son Tim's world title fight but she won't be ringside – in fact she won't even be watching.
Australia's first lady of boxing is staying true to her word, opting out of seeing her son do battle. No more blood and gore.
Tszyu vs Fundora 2 & Pacquiao vs Barrios | SUN 20 JULY 10AM AEST | In the biggest fight of the year, Tim Tszyu faces Sebastian Fundora in a blockbuster rematch, plus Manny Pacquiao makes his highly anticipated return to the ring to face Mario Barrios. | Order now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
'I am in Vegas with my family, I am here with everyone but I won't be watching,' Natalia told news.com.au in the lead-up to Tim's rematch with WBC super welterweight champ Sebastian Fundora.
'My family is all here, we are all here. The fight will be on my birthday.'
Natalia Tszyu says being the mother of boxers is a lonely world but she wouldn't have it any other way. Picture: Mark Stewart
Tim Tszyu in his brutal defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March last year. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images
Tim (25-2 record) suffered his first career defeat against Fundora (22-1-1) in March last year, when a severe cut on his head from an errant elbow significantly impacted his vision in a split decision loss to the American.
In his next fight in October 2024, Tim's hospitalisation following his brutal, third-round knockout loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in Orlando was the tipping point for the devoted mum who has been around boxing most of her life.
'I am the mother of two warriors,' she said referring to Tim and her other boxing son Nikita.
'I've stood at the edge of the ring with my breath caught in my throat, watched them fight battles only they can fight, and smiled through fear no one else could see.
Tszyu's third-round knockout loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev last October was the final straw for Natalia. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)
'People see the knockouts, the belts, the bright lights.
'They don't see the early mornings, the tears I've wiped in silence, the prayers whispered into the night when no one's looking.
'I carry their pain. I celebrate their victories. But I never stop being their mother first.'
Natalia said she was confident Tim has 'all the heart, discipline and power to win' on Sunday.
'I believe in him — and I know Australia does too.'
Natalia described boxing as 'beautiful and brutal'.
'And as proud as I am, being the mother of boxing sons can be the loneliest place in the world.
Natalia Tszyu with her children Nikita, Anastasia and Tim at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas last year. Photo supplied.
Tim Tszyu with his mum Natalia Tszyu. Picture: Justin Lloyd.
'But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
'Because in every fight, in every roar of the crowd, a piece of my heart walks into that ring.
'And no matter how far they go, they always carry their mother with them – quietly, fiercely, always.'
It's been a busy few months for Natalia, who has also welcomed her first grandchild
'Holding her in my arms is a feeling beyond words. I'm proud of every moment — proud of my children and now this new life.
'Thank you to this beautiful country, Australia, for giving us the opportunity to be born, grow, and now raise a second generation here.'
Originally published as Tim Tszyu's mum makes shock revelation ahead of boxing world title rematch
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