Nikita Tszyu vs Mason Smith 11.05.2022
Newcastle, Australia – Rising super-welterweight Nikita Tszyu produced a devastating display of power and precision to halt Mason Smith in the very first round of their scheduled six-round contest at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. The victory, timed at two minutes and forty-one seconds, marked Tszyu’s second professional win and confirmed the buzz surrounding the younger brother of world title contender Tim Tszyu.
From the opening bell, both southpaws came out firing, with Smith attempting to set an aggressive pace. The Englishman, boasting an unbeaten record of five wins, charged forward with looping shots, eager to test Tszyu’s composure. For a brief spell, his ambition seemed to pay off as he landed a few sharp punches on the inside, forcing Tszyu to adjust his rhythm.
But the Australian’s response was swift and ruthless. Showing maturity beyond his limited experience, Tszyu found his range with a thudding left hand to the body, followed by a crisp right hook over the top. The impact of those early blows visibly rattled Smith, who began to backpedal as Tszyu pressed forward, cutting off the ring with poise and intent.
The fight turned dramatically midway through the first round when Tszyu connected with a series of punishing combinations. A wicked left uppercut pierced Smith’s guard and sent him staggering backwards. The Newcastle crowd erupted as Tszyu continued his assault, targeting both head and body with accuracy and variety. Each punch landed with a heavy thud that echoed around the arena — a stark reminder of the punching power that runs deep in the Tszyu bloodline.
Referee Will Solis hovered closely as Smith tried desperately to stay upright, but the relentless barrage proved too much. A final left hand and right uppercut combination forced the referee to step in and halt the contest, sparing Smith further punishment. The stoppage was met with cheers from the sold-out crowd, who had come to see whether the younger Tszyu could deliver on the family’s storied reputation.
It was a measured yet explosive performance from Nikita Tszyu, who demonstrated balance, timing, and an instinct for the finish that belies his brief professional tenure. Where his debut showcased his composure, this second outing revealed the raw power that makes him such a dangerous prospect.
Smith, for his part, showed bravery in his approach, refusing to take a backward step in the opening moments. However, his aggression proved costly against an opponent whose timing and precision punished every mistake. Once Tszyu established control, the result felt inevitable.
The crowd in Newcastle, a city that has become something of a second home for the Tszyu family, celebrated as referee Solis officially raised the Australian’s hand. The cheers echoed not just for another win, but for a performance that blended power with control — the hallmarks of a fighter growing rapidly in confidence.
In a blistering display of dominance, Nikita Tszyu defeated Mason Smith by first-round technical knockout, extending his perfect record and announcing himself as one of Australia’s most thrilling young talents.