Nikita Tszyu is not fazed one bit by Darkon Dryden’s famous Hannibal Lecter schtick, branding it “stupid”.
Dryden (4-0, 4KO) is renowned in Australian boxing circles for donning a mask reminiscent of the frightening novel and movie character when he struts to the ring and will do the same when he takes on Tszyu (3-0, 2KO) on Saturday night at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
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It has earned Dryden somewhat of a cult following among boxing fans, but Tszyu isn’t buying the gimmick for one second.
“I think it’s stupid,” Tszyu told foxsports.com.au.
“It doesn’t look very good to breathe in.
“But if that makes him feel tough, then go for it.”
Tszyu himself could be called into question for using a gimmick of his own in his fledgling boxing career.
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In his three fights to date, the 24-year-old has made his way to the ring with the theme song of WWE legend, The Undertaker, blaring around the arena.
But Tszyu proclaimed the final bell has indeed tolled for The Deadman’s famous tune, although he was reluctant to divulge what he has replaced it with.
“The Undertaker music won’t get played this time around,” Tszyu said.
“I actually got sick of The Undertaker after the second fight, but I got convinced otherwise to keep it around for the third against my own will.
“I’m not going to say what it (the new song) is, but I’m coming out to something that’s a better representation of my personality and my weirdness and intensity.
“I’ll give you a little hint, it’s got a little doof-doof to it.”
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Perhaps the change of music is just what Tszyu needed as he continues to look more at home with every press conference, weigh-in and fight.
He’s quickly become accustomed to the bright lights that accompanies being a headline act for boxing shows, something that Dryden has been forced to learn on the job.
And Tszyu is adamant Dryden’s lack of experience in the spotlight could prove costly when it’s burning brightest on Saturday night.
“He’s not used to the whole media attention and that he’s still trying to adjust to it,” Tszyu said.
“That’s why there’s a possibility on Saturday night that the occasion could get to him.
“The pressure could force him to lose his ability to box with me and be smart and go for that one-punch, swinging knockout.”
