1) Zab Judah
In November 2001, Tszyu’s victory not only propelled him up the pound-for-pound rankings but also solidified his position. The significance of this win can be attributed to both the magnitude of the fight and the way it concluded. With the opportunity to claim all three major belts, Tszyu successfully secured Judah’s IBF title to add to his own WBA and WBC championships. This remarkable feat was accomplished by stunning Judah in round two with a devastating right cross, leaving him disoriented and ultimately leading to Tszyu’s triumph.
2) Miguel Angel Gonzalez
After suffering a loss against Vince Phillips, Tszyu regained his momentum and made a comeback in the world title scene by defeating Gonzalez in August 1999, resulting in a 10th-round stoppage. This victory also earned him the prestigious WBC light-welterweight title.
3) Sharmba Mitchell I
Tszyu, not satisfied with only holding the IBF belt, added the WBA light-welterweight crown to his collection in February 2001. He achieved this by compelling Sharmba Mitchell to retire on his stool after seven rounds.
Getty Images captures Kostya Tszyu’s victorious blow against Sharmba Mitchell.
4) Jake Rodríguez
In January 1995, Tszyu achieved his first world title victory by defeating Rodríguez, who was ultimately stopped in the sixth round. This remarkable win granted Tszyu the IBF light-welterweight title, an impressive feat considering it was only his 14th professional fight.
5) Sharmba Mitchell II
Tszyu’s impressive performance in November 2004 against Mitchell resulted in a third-round demolition and allowed him to successfully defend his IBF belt. Despite his advancing age, this win hinted at even greater triumphs to come in the future.
6) Julio César Chávez
Despite Chávez’s diminished form, Tszyu’s dominant victory in the sixth round of their match in July 2000 enabled him to keep his WBC light-welterweight title and gain recognition in the United States.
Tszyu against Chavez
7) Roger Mayweather
In addition to being his inaugural defense of the IBF light-welterweight title, Tszyu’s fight against Roger Mayweather in June 1995 marked his first experience going the full 12 rounds as a professional. While he emerged victorious, Tszyu had to settle for a decision.
8) Ben Tackie
Tszyu’s victory over Tackie in May 2002 left a lasting impression. It not only marked Tszyu’s first successful defense of all three major light-welterweight belts but also showcased a remarkable display of dominance throughout the entire 12 rounds. It was truly a memorable performance that will be hard to forget.
9) Jesse James Leija
Tszyu, in his first world title fight at home in Australia since 1996, dominated Leija from the start of their 2003 match, relentlessly attacking until Leija ultimately conceded on his stool after six rounds.
10) Jan Piet Bergman
Tszyu’s final successful defence of his IBF title during his first reign as champion proved to be a brutal encounter for Bergman. From the very beginning, Tszyu unleashed a relentless onslaught on his opponent, ultimately forcing a stoppage in the sixth round of their September 1996 bout.
