Australian super welterweight champ Nikita Tszyu stands accused of receiving special privilege from referees when he fights — and has even been accused of winning his national title illegally.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Tszyu’s latest rival Danilo Creati has also urged whoever officiates Wednesday night’s headliner to provide a safe — and fair — environment for more than just the undefeated star.
Creati suggested that so widespread does ‘Tszyu privilege’ extend in Aussie boxing, he would almost certainly have to win the Sydney event by KO.
The challenger added Tszyu’s most recent win over Dylan Biggs only came after a series of “dangerous” punches to the back of his rival’s head that went unchecked.
Speaking after Monday’s press conference, Creati said he was “concerned” by the tactics Tszyu was allowed to use in his title triumph over Biggs last November.
The Italian also promised to knock out the son of Kostya Tszyu — and younger brother of Tim Tszyu — in what will be his second fight in five weeks.
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Nikita challenges Creati to ‘a war’ | 00:54
During Monday’s press conference at the Entertainment Centre Creati had his first win of sorts on the microphone when vowing to “turn The Butcher into a vegan”.
The 34-year-old also suggested the champ was slow and boasted a “weak body … weak jaw”.
Creati also alluded to the champ’s big brother and his recent world title loss against Sebastian Fundora, adding the headliner would be “the next upset for his family in a short time”.
While the Italian has earned his shot at Tszyu following a majority draw against Marcus Heywood in March, he is best known for proving an incredibly tough, and awkward, opponent in his loss to Michael Zerafa in late 2022.
Asked his thoughts on now upsetting the undeniable rising star of Aussie boxing, Creati said: “What I’m really concerned about for this fight is getting a good referee.
“We saw in Nikita Tszyu’s last fight against Biggs, he was punching so many times behind the head.
“There were seven or eight in a row at one time.
“It’s so dangerous.
“You have to stop the rabbit punch.
“It concerns me.
“We have to keep this fight fair.”
Asked if Tszyu received advantages in the ring because of his famous surname, Creati continued: “Definitely.
“He’s literally surfing the light of his father and brother.
“His promoters are also picking the right fights for him, and in the right moments.
“They don’t pick Creati at his best … they pick me after 14 months of inactivity.
“He has the support of his home country, and then the Judges play a big role too …”
So you’re suggesting you will have to knock him out to win?
“Absolutely,” Creati continued.
“And probably more than one time.
“I’ll have to leave him on the ground.
“And even then they could try to disqualify me for a punch that’s … um, no good if you know what I mean?
“But I have the power to knock Tszyu out.
“And I have the skills to make him look like he’s not a champion.
“He’s definitely a good fighter.
“But styles make fights and I have the style to win this.”
Nikita v Creati – Full Press Conference | 21:41
Creati suggested his recent inactivity had been due to his showing against Zerafa, when he proved incredibly awkward for a rival who would contest a world title in his next bout.
“That scared a lot of people off,” conceded the fighter who boasted a strong amateur pedigree in Italy before moving to Australia.
“I made (Zerafa) look like he wasn’t a world title challenger.
“After a few rounds he got scared.
“Understood it wasn’t the right time to try stupid s …, which is why he stopped attacking.
“And I think Nikita could do the same … (which is why) for this fight I just want a good referee.”
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