Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
Tensions boiled over in Newcastle on May 5 as Hunter Ioane and Kyron Dryden clashed during a heated weigh-in ahead of their undercard bout on the Nikita Tszyu vs Oscar Diaz fight card at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. What was meant to be a routine face-off quickly turned physical, highlighting the bad blood between the two fighters and setting the tone for a dramatic fight night that now carries even more edge.
Weigh-in chaos sets the tone
Both Ioane and Dryden comfortably made weight, but the atmosphere shifted the moment they squared up. The crowd, already buzzing with anticipation, grew louder as the staredown dragged on. Suddenly, Ioane lunged forward, catching Dryden off guard. Dryden reacted instantly, shoving him back across the stage.
Officials rushed in within seconds, stepping between the fighters before things escalated further. From ringside, it was clear this was not staged drama. The tension felt real, with both camps shouting as security tried to restore order.
This moment followed a fiery press conference just a day earlier where Dryden didn’t hold back, telling his opponent, “I’m going to knock you the f**k out.” That comment clearly lingered heading into the weigh-in.
Nikita Tszyu steals spotlight with physique
While the undercard fighters brought the chaos, Nikita Tszyu drew attention for very different reasons. The rising Australian star looked in top condition, lean and focused as he prepares to face undefeated Spaniard Oscar Diaz.
Observers noted how sharp Tszyu looked on the scales. His physique stood out immediately, with a noticeably low body fat level that had fans and analysts talking. Journalist Peter Badel summed it up, saying:
“Physically he looks amazing. That’s the lowest percentage of body fat I’ve ever seen from Nikita. Incredible.
“But he did look gaunt, he always has a bit of that about him but he will bulk up big-time over the next 24 hours, like Tim Tszyu, he’ll put on about 8, 9, 10 kilos.
“That is a massive and he’ll fill out beautifully over the next 25 hours.”
Tszyu’s unusual weight-cut routine
Tszyu also revealed a surprising detail about his preparation, explaining his preference for milk during rehydration.
“Milks got everything in there,” he explained.
“It’s got all the electrolytes. It’s a very healthy drink. I feel great straight after having it.
“It beats any electrolyte drink.”
When asked about advice from his father Kostya Tszyu, he kept things simple.
“He only gives me one piece of advice, don’t get hit,” he said.
“That’s all I hear from him and that’s all I need to know.
“It’s a simple sport.”
Lighter moment brings balance to fiery day
Amid the tension, Lance “G-Banger” McDonald provided comic relief. Walking onto the stage in a g-string, he drew laughter and cheers from the crowd. He even posed again before stepping off, fully embracing the moment.
McDonald is set to face CJ Mundine, son of Australian boxing figure Anthony Mundine, adding another interesting storyline to the undercard.
What it means for fight night
With emotions already running high, the Ioane vs Dryden bout now carries genuine hostility. The energy from the weigh-in suggests fans could see an explosive contest once the bell rings.
For the main event, Tszyu remains the focal point. His physical condition and calm approach contrast sharply with the chaos around him. That balance could prove key as he looks to continue his rise against Diaz.
For more boxing coverage, check our latest fight night updates. You can also follow official bout details via the Main Event Boxing page.
Smart Play Tip
Based on current form and composure, Nikita Tszyu looks well positioned to control the fight against Diaz. His preparation and physical shape suggest he could dictate the pace early and wear his opponent down.