Today, I spent some time with Super lightweight superstar, Kostya Tszyu, at his home in Sydney, and I asked him about his plans for the future, and this is how it went down.

GT: Congratulations on your fantastic win. Obviously, you will be looking forward to the holidays with the family, but can you give us an idea when" the thunder from down under" will be back in action? there has been rumours of you fighting Ricky Hatton in england on march the 5th, 2005. is this true?

KT: Gary, there is no chance of this happening in march. as you know, I like to prepare myself for 12 weeks for each fight and that would mean I would have to start next week. No chance, and certainly not in England. if the fight is made, it would have to be in New York at Madison Square Gardens. I will be back in April or May.

GT: 2005 looks like being the busiest and biggest of your long and successful career- can you give the fans, any indication who is next for you, which is realistic?

KT: I honestly dont know. all I am saying is " excite me" at this stage , I am not ready to retire, but I need big fights to motivate me mentally, and physically. hatton, harris, are just contenders to me. they are good fighters but I want the big names. 2005 will be busy for me. I have another book on the way and a new dvd which will take up alot of my time.

GT: while we are talking about books- how did you like my book" boxings greatest workouts"

KT: Yes, very good book. Special. ive not read all of it yet. Are you happy with it?

GT: yes- im happy. a lot of work but I'm happy.

GT: Who are your favourite fighters from the past, and are there any who stand out now?

KT: In Russia, I didnt see any boxers on the TV, and I only occasionally saw the fights like Ali, Foreman, and later Hagler, Hearns, and Leonard, Duran. I used to watch only amateurs , but I developed my own technique, and focused on it. Today, I dont know yet. I liked Roy Jones jnr. I liked the way he fought and his attitude. I also liked Tyson. he was great to watch. His power, and punching technique was something else. maybe, Jeff Lacy, but I dont know yet. Oscar Dela Hoya , Tyson, Jones, they were superstars, and even after losing, they still are.

GT: Do you think the sport we love, is in good shape?

KT: Not bad. as long as we keep getting the big fights, it will be good.

GT: When you fought Sharmba Mitchell, were you surprised how easy you dominated and overpowered him?

KT: Yes, I was. My tactics worked. just a little sooner than I expected.
One punch can change a fight and thats what happened. When I got cut, that was the beginning of the end for him. He must have thought he could maybe get me if it went past four and the fight was stopped with the cut to my eye. My strategy worked and my pressure made him make mistakes and rush. I made him pay for his mistakes.

GT: what do you think were your best performance in the ring?

KT: Hurtado, Tackie, Jan Bergman, and Gonzales.

GT: Kostya, it seems everyone wants to fight you[ or say they do] I recently spoke with floyd mayweather and he told me he wanted you . he also said that he wasnt concerned with your power shots, as you would have to hit him first, and he would counter you. how do you rate him?

KT: He is a good fighter and we would have to wait and see. To me he is just a contender and I am the Champion.

GT: I interviewed Ricky Hatton in Manchester and he told me he was desperate to fight you. He said he would fight you in America, England or even Australia. would you ever consider going to England to fight him?

KT: If an exciting offer came up, I would fight him, but why should I go to England? I could sell out Madison Square Gardens.

GT: Ricky Hatton could sell out Madison Square Gardens easy. there would be thousands going over as its pretty cheap and its only 5 hours away from Heathrow airport in london. I went to see Holyfield v Lennox Lewis there and there must have been 12 thousand Lewis supporters.

KT: Make me an offer- excite me.

GT: How do you rate him as a fighter?

KT: Gary he is a mandatory challenger. It will be a mega fight for him but not for me. he is just another challenger to me.

GT: before we finish, do you have a message for your fans around the world?

KT: I give messages on my website www.Kostyatszyu.com regularly, so stay tuned....and have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.

GT: its been a pleasure talking to you. thank you for inviting me to your home.

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