Super Lightweight world champion Kostya Tszyu made a rare U.S. appearance on August 12. The occasion was a press luncheon at the Cicada Italian restaraunt in Los Angeles to promote his upcoming November rematch with Sharmba Mitchell. It was announced at the luncheon that the fight would be held on November 6th.

A site for the fight has yet to be determined, but Tszyu's camp indicated they were considering New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Tszyu's camp seemed to like New York, because of the city's large Russian community, but were very intrigued by Los Angeles. Tszyu was planning to leave the country the next day to return to his native Sydney (Australia) to train for the fight.

The undisputed champion was very upbeat and cordial with reporters while fielding questions. He talked about the first fight with Mitchell, which he won, when Mitchell had to stop due to a knee injury. Tszyu stated he felt he would have won, even if Mitchell was not forced to stop. Tszyu also stated that he felt referee Joe Cortez was interfering too much during the fight. Tszyu seemed very confident that he would prevail in the rematch. When Mitchell's trash talking was brought up by reporters, Tszyu responded by saying, "Let's finish the business."

Tszyu stopped Jesse James Leija in his last fight in January of 2003, and stated that the layoff would not be a problem, and that ring rust would not be a factor. When asked by reporters why he was not taking a tune up fight, like many fighters would do after a long layoff, Tszyu stated, " why waste my time, I want challenges."

Ever since their first meeting Mitchell has been trash talking Tszyu, saying Kostya was ducking him; evidently the talking worked. Tszyu stated in referring to Mitchell, "he promoted himself into this bout with his mouth, not his fists."

Tszyu concluded the meeting by saying he would continue his reign and hoped there would be closure with this fight. Many fight fans believe that these are the two top fighters at 140 pounds, and on November 6th, the public will find out who the best fighter is. Now all they need is a place to get it on.

Tom Torreto

8-12-2004