Nikita Tszyu to make professional boxing debut, following in father Kostya and brother Tim's footsteps

Nikita Tszyu has ditched his «boring» life as an architect to follow father Kostya and brother Tim into the ring as a professional boxer. 

The 24-year-old will fight unbeaten Aaron Stahl (2-0-1) at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 2 in the same super welterweight class as his brother.

The former amateur champion looked set for a white-collar career when he gave boxing away to study about five years ago.

The itch returned while watching his brother march to a 20-0 record and mandated world title challenger.

While the Tszyu name carries weight, Nikita held his own as an amateur thanks to his reputation as a danger puncher and admission that he's «a little bit more messy» than his brother, earning him the nickname of «The Butcher».

"(Architecture) got a little too boring for me. I have this energy inside me that was hating it," Tszyu said on Wednesday.

«As soon as I started training again, that will, determination popped up again and it felt right.»

Boxing superstardom and world title gold are next for Tim Tszyu, who has put every world title holder in his weight class on notice, writes Corbin Middlemas. 

He is managed by Glenn Jennings, who oversaw Kostya's world-beating career as well as handling Tim's affairs.

«Nikita comes to the ring on March 2 with bad intentions,» Jennings said.

«He's been out of the game for a long time. I can guarantee you one thing, when Nikita dedicates himself to something, and he did with his university degree… don't blink.

»Don't get out of your seat. Don't go anywhere."

The card also features Dennis Hogan in a final eliminator for the IBO super welterweight world title against Wade Ryan.

AAP