Nikita Tszyu defeats Oscar Diaz by technical knockout after a controversial finish in the sixth round at the Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia.
The bout was a WBO International Super Welterweight title match. The fight was stopped after a sequence in which Tszyu landed punches while Diaz had taken a knee.
Main Event Details
Tszyu (now 13-0) dropped Diaz (now 16-1) in the second round with a left hand to the chin. In the sixth round, Diaz took a knee, after which Tszyu landed two punches to his head. Diaz's cornermen entered the ring apron and argued with the referee. A commentator noted that Diaz's corner was angry about the punches thrown after the knee.
Tszyu apologized after the fight, stating he did not see Diaz's knees make contact with the ground and believed Diaz was simply bent over.
The referee did not deduct points from Tszyu, deeming the punches quick and without significant impact. Diaz continued fighting until the end of the sixth round. After the round concluded, Diaz's corner informed the referee he could not continue, and the bout was stopped. At the time of the stoppage, Tszyu had landed a left-right combination.
Post-Fight Statements
Tszyu stated he felt he "could have done a lot better" and described Diaz as "slicker than I thought he would be." He noted he was not yet considering world titles and had "more to learn."
Tszyu praised Diaz's punch resistance, saying, "I hit him with big shots and he just looked and smiled at me."
Background
- The event was Tszyu's first fight since a no-contest bout with Michael Zerafa.
- Tszyu entered the bout ranked sixth in the IBF.
- Diaz had won all 16 of his previous fights.
- Nikita Tszyu is the younger brother of former WBO super-welterweight champion Tim Tszyu and son of Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu. Tim and Kostya Tszyu were present at the event.
Undercard Results
Co-Main Event
Callum Peters won a unanimous decision over Joeshon James in a super middleweight bout. Scores were 100-89, 100-89, and 99-90. Peters knocked down James with a body shot in the fourth round. Peters said he hopes to fight on the undercard of Tim Tszyu vs. Errol Spence on July 26.
Other Bouts
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Rahim Mundine vs. Lance McDonald: Mundine (son of Anthony Mundine) won a unanimous decision in a five-round super-welterweight bout. Scores were 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. Mundine improved to 3-0 as a professional. The Newcastle crowd booed Mundine and his father Anthony. Rahim stated he won easily and landed cleaner shots.
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Jack Bowen vs. Tonga Tongotongo: Bowen defeated Tongotongo by knockout in the second round. Bowen dedicated the fight to his sister Elly-May, who has lung cancer. Bowen had injured a rib three weeks before the fight.
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Kirra Ruston vs. Berkay Varol: Ruston defeated Varol by knockout in the third round. Ruston fought with a cut over his left eye from a head clash.