Nikita Tszyu has been surprisingly warned against chasing a Pay-Per-View bloodbath by targeting the right eye of Italian Danilo Creati – which was opened up and required stitches only five weeks ago — with even his own promoter describing it as a risky move.
Undefeated in all eight fights as a professional, the younger Tszyu sibling is keen to make a statement when he tops Wednesday night’s stacked No Limit card at the Hordern Pavilion.
Several times in the build up to this latest headliner, The Butcher has spoken about his desire for a bloody war similar to that of older brother Tim in most recent world title blockbuster against Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas.
And aiding that cause is the visible scar Creati is still carrying over his right eye — which was opened up and required stitches following a fight against Marcus Heywood in late March.
While there is obviously a chance for Tszyu to target the wound and earn himself a bloody headliner, both Creati and No Limit boss George Rose have warned against the tactic — suggesting it will have dire consequences.
BOXING: Nikita Tszyu returns to the ring for the first time in 2024 to defend his title against Danilo Creati plus another 4 big titles on the card | WED 24 APR 7PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
‘I’m all good’ – Why was Nikita late? | 00:43
‘Light-headed’ Nikita explains weight cut drama as dodgy equipment sparks scare
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, the 34-year-old challenger added that his awkward style – coupled with a secret homemade aloe elixir – will ensure the cut doesn’t become an issue during the fight.
Creati revealed he has been using his own aloe plants to aid the healing process, which he insists has helped the wound recover quicker than usual.
Rose also said he would be cautioning his fighter against chasing the wound, especially given his dramas with the weight cut.
“I think that could play straight into Danilo’s hands,” said Rose of the challenger known for his awkward style.
“I think the biggest concern for Nikita is actually hitting Danilo, without even worrying about where.
“The guy has proved he is extremely hard to get to.
“And even when you do get to him it’s hard to land something big.
“So if Nikita focuses on that one little target, it could be a really long night of chasing.
“It was already going to be a tough enough ask getting his hands on Danilo.
“But now after his struggles with weight a whole lot of other things come into it.
“The ability to recover from a punch, things like that.
“And if he has to then chase Danilo all night, he could run out of puff.”
Concerns over Nikita after weight drama | 03:24
Already a large betting underdog, Creati is aware the scar above his right eye could become a target in the headliner.
While the Heywood bout was declared a draw, the Italian still showed enough to convince promoters No Limit he could provide Tszyu with the same difficult task he famously gave Michael Zerafa in 2022.
Yet so badly was Creati cut, there were initially concerns he would not be recovered in time to face Tszyu.
“But that was the first cut of my career,” Creati told Fox Sports Australia after weighing in Tuesday. “After 22 years fighting, that was the first one.
“And have a look there now, I only got the three stitches and you can hardly see it.
“I’ve actually been putting a lot of aloe on there.
“I’ve got a lot of plants around my house and so every day I cut one, thank the plant then go with it.
“I’ve always believed natural is best.”
Tszyu: Hitting where they’re going to be | 02:29
Creati added that his style match up with Tszyu would also make targeting the cut difficult.
“Fighting orthodox, I give my left side to the opponent,” he said.
“And him being southpaw, he’s on that side also.
“So my eye with the injury, it’s (at the back) and won’t be a problem because he’s not going to catch me there that much.”
Already, Creati has suggested Australian referees and judges are so biased towards the Tszyu family, he will likely have to KO the national champ to take his belt.
Importantly, Creati insists he is more than capable of making that happen.
“Because Nikita’s definitely hittable,” he said.
“I’ve rewatched a few of his fights against opponents who weren’t really good but he was still getting tagged.
“So I’m going to frustrate him and get him to make mistakes.
“Also, I’m famous for getting out of fights with my face staying clean.
“This is a skill.
“And Nikita doesn’t have this skill.
“He’s really straightforward and lacks in defence.”
‘Turn the Italian into a little sausage’ | 05:12
Creati also insisted he has no problem being the heavy betting underdog, stressing: “We have a saying in Italy about there being some people who are born with a shirt, while others have to make their own.
“And me, I’m representing those people who have to make their own shirt.”