Kostya Tszyu (b. 1969), boxer, was born and raised in straitened circumstances in Serov, Russia, where he began boxing at the age of nine. By age 11 he was enjoying the sport; after winning 99 of his first 100 fights, including the national title at age 16, he became well known for his boxing prowess. After 248 wins in 259 fights as an amateur, and winning the World Amateur Super Lightweight Championship in 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991, he moved to Australia to box professionally. Between 1992 and 2003 he enjoyed 31 wins and one draw in 33 professional fights. He was the WBC, WBA and IBF Undisputed World Super Lightweight Champion in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and in 2004-2005 he was the ambassador for Russia’s bid to host the 2012 Olympics. In 2010, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for the Class of 2011. In subsequent years he trained Having won substantial prize money, he now lives in Sydney where he enjoys family life and runs the Tszyu Boxing Academy. His son, Tim Tszyu, made his professional debut in 2016, following in his father’s footsteps.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Yoli Salmona/Copyright Agency, 2022
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
