How Aussie boxing legend Kostya Tszyu stole the show ahead of Tim Tszyu’s IBF super-welterweight bout in Florida against Bakhram Murtazaliev

With fourteen heartfelt words, the great Kostya Tszyu buried the myth that he has been estranged from his sons for more than a decade as the royal family of Australian boxing finally gathered in Florida.

Tszyu made a surprise and eye-catching appearance after attending the official pre-fight press conference for Tim’s IBF super-welterweight showdown with Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev on Sunday, stealing the show from his world title-chasing eldest child.

Arriving hours later, the 55-year-old Hall of Famer shocked Tim from behind with a signature paternal massage before greeting youngest son Nikita in person with a long, emotional hug for the first time in 11 years.

‘They are in my heart every second. They are on my mind every second,” said Tszyu, who left Australia about 15 years ago and returned to his native Russia, where he started a new life and a new family.

‘I’ve seen them regularly, almost every day on the phone. But of course it’s not the same. “I’m sure we’ll have a great time here together.”

Tszyu has not been ringside in any of his boys’ 35 professional matches since Tim’s debut in 2016.

Tim repeatedly recalled a ‘circus’ that night at the SCG, calling his father a ‘pain in the ass’ as he uncontrollably shouted instructions.

All is forgiven as the former unified world champion gets a front row seat for Tim’s date with destiny at the Caribe Royale Orlando resort.

The reunion took place just days before Tim Tszyu’s IBF super welterweight showdown against Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev

However, Tszyu cannot promise that he will be able to hold back live for the first time in nine years.

“I don’t know how I’m going to be,” he said. ‘I’m doing well now. I’m not nervous right now, but I’m not sure what’s going to happen.

“I’ll try – maybe it’s not right to do that, maybe – but I’ll put extra pressure on that guy (Murtazaliev). “I’m sorry, my friend, but I will.”

Team Tszyu will be hoping there will be no repeat of the Las Vegas fiasco in March when Tim suffered the first defeat of his career, a controversial split-decision loss after an accidental elbow from Sebastian Fundora left the Sydneysider with a gaping head wound.

“Thank God I wasn’t there because I don’t know what I would do in that fight,” Tszyu said.

‘The referee is supposed to stop the fight, not the corner. “He’s a referee and the way he was bleeding non-stop, a lot of countries would stop the fight.”

Tim said his father told him two hours earlier that he would not be at the press conference on Friday.

“It was typical, man. I’m kind of used to it now,” the 29-year-old said of Tszyu’s unexpected appearance.

Nikita Tszyu (pictured left) also spoke with his father in person – for the first time in 11 years in Florida

“I was sitting on the bench and he just took me off my back and took my traps pretty well.

‘I knew straight away it was him. “But yeah, it was good to see him. Still good to see him. It’s buzzing now.’

Nikita said few words were needed as he greeted his father for the first time since the now 27-year-old teenager.

“We just cuddled with it,” Nikita said. “I said a few little words: ‘Glad to finally see you.’

‘We don’t have to say much. We’re not very talkative people, but all we need is a hug and a little murmur of silence.

“I haven’t seen him in over ten years, so it’s good to see him as if he’s not on a screen.

“I’m not a fan of talking on Skype or over the phone, so these in-person interactions are something I much prefer.”