Tim Tszyu believes he is twice as dedicated to the sport as was once his father, the great Kostya Tszyu.
The 28-year-old light middleweight on Sunday, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney's Olympic Park, fights Tony Harrison, after which the winner will expect to challenge the IBF, WBA, WBO and WBC champion Jermell Charlo.
He is increasingly recognised as a world-level contender, having previously largely built his reputation on being a fine fighter's son, and is adamant that that is largely because of his commitment to his craft. Stories of fighters' sons struggling to emulate their fathers' achievements and lacking the same talent and desire are almost a cliché – it is often said that their fathers' success gave them a sense of security unfit for a future in prizefighting – but the son of one of the finest of all super lightweights is convinced he is an exception.
Kostya Tszyu's professionalism ensured that he was a fighter who made the most of his talent, and citing another individual who also realised his potential, Tim Tszyu said: "I went and researched a little bit about Cristiano Ronaldo. I know he's not a boxer but the way he approaches life is the way I am approaching life right now – as a true, 100 per cent athlete dedicated to his craft.
"Everything. Just the way I eat, when I eat, just true professionalism.
"When I was growing up my dad was an army sergeant with the way he approached life and I'm times two to how he was.
"The funny thing is that as the rounds go up and up and up, I feel like I don't get tired. My breathing's on point and everything's just running smoothly.
"Right now I feel like I could run over anyone and it's a good position and feeling to have, especially leading up to such a big fight."
