Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Nikita Tszyu vs Oscar Diaz super-welterweight clash on Wednesday night saw the home favorite cement his status as a world title contender. Nikita Tszyu delivered a clinical sixth-round stoppage at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre to remain unbeaten in his professional career.
This dominant display moved the 28-year-old fighter to a 13-0 record and silenced any doubters regarding his standing in the division.
This intensity was building all week, especially after the Hunter Ioane vs Kyron Dryden weigh-in clash caused a stir among boxing fans.
Match Summary
Nikita Tszyu controlled the tempo from the opening bell, landing clean combinations that tested the chin of Oscar Diaz.
A powerful left hand sent Oscar Diaz to the canvas in the second round, signaling the beginning of the end for the European visitor.
Despite Oscar Diaz showing heart and surviving a flurry of punches in the middle rounds, he finally succumbed in the sixth stanza.
Nikita Tszyu floored his opponent with a heavy left-right sequence that forced the corner of Oscar Diaz to stop the contest.
Path to the World Title
Ranked sixth by the IBF before the fight, Nikita Tszyu is now expected to climb into the top three of the world rankings.
The victory keeps the Tszyu family's legendary Australian home record perfect at 54-0 across three generations of fighters.
"Good to get the rounds in. Good to feel the energy of a crowd," Nikita Tszyu said following his victory.
"Good to also get a sweat up."
Potential future targets for the rising star include American heavyweights Keith Thurman and Tony Harrison.
Boxing fans can track the official movement in the world rankings on the International Boxing Federation website.
Undercard Results
Rahim Mundine also maintained his undefeated streak on the undercard with a unanimous points win over Lance McDonald.
The victory came amid heavy jeers from the crowd, a reaction the young fighter attributed to the reputation of his father, Anthony Mundine.
"My dad's the most hated athlete ever in this country," Rahim Mundine said regarding the mixed reception from the stands.