With a bonkers diet consisting of raw liver and a sadistic fetish for blood, it’s no wonder Darkon Dryden believes Nikita Tszyu is “a different dude”.
Hometown hero Dryden (4-0, 4KO) takes on Tszyu (3-0, 2KO) as the co-headline act at the Super Saturday boxing festival held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in a bout that is set to deliver fireworks.
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Dryden had promised that “there’s going to be blood” in the fight, something that will no doubt be music to Tszyu’s ears given how wide his eyes grow as soon as the first drop of claret emerges from an opponent.
Aside from Dracula, it’s a tall ask to find someone who loves blood as much as Tszyu does.
It’s exactly why Dryden believes his rival is cut from an estranged cloth.
“He’s a different dude,” Dryden said during Main Event’s Face-Off featuring himself and Tszyu.
“He’s just a different dude. I haven’t got a word for it.”
Tszyu completely agreed with his rival’s stance, stating: “I’ve got a few screws unturned in my head.”
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It seems the two somehow managed to find common ground when it comes to the quite literal rush of blood during fights.
“That’s what I want to see at the end,” Dryden said.
“Either them on the floor or them pissing out blood.”
Tszyu replied: “It’s satisfying, isn’t it? That first sight of blood, that colour sparks something in your head, doesn’t it? It sparks an awakening.”
However, Dryden couldn’t get on board with Tszyu’s recent diet changes which has now incorporated raw liver into it and will soon incorporate bull’s testicles too.
Tszyu recommended Dryden try some raw liver for himself, but the Novocastrian wasn’t having it.
“What’s the benefits of that,” Dryden said.
“You’ve got to cook your food, or you’ll get worms.
Tszyu described the pros of consuming raw liver, stating it’s “dense with nutrients and vitamins” and “really high in iron”.
Despite his rival’s insistence, Dryden isn’t convinced he will ever undertake a similar food journey.
“Nah, I cook my food, brother,” Dryden said.
Super Saturday Press Conference | 10:25
FULL FIGHT CARD
MAIN CARD
Dennis Hogan vs Sam Eggington (IBO super welterweight world title)
Nikita Tszyu vs Darkon Dryden
Sam Goodman vs Jason Cooper (IBF Inter-Continental & WBO Oriental Super Bantamweight Titles)
Lachie Higgins Cody Beeken
Darragh Foley vs Blake Minto (vacant IBO international light welterweight title)
Shanell Dargan vs Ayisha Abied
PRELIMS
Jayde Mitchell vs Mark Lucas
Ella Boot vs Zoe Putorak (vacant Australian welterweight title)
Tywarna Campbell vs Jessica Adams (Australian super featherweight title)
Richie Fa’aoso vs Louis Marsters
Amber Amelia vs Danni Mace
Ash Sims vs Sarah Watt
DIGITAL PRELIMS
David Light vs Vikas Singh
Bailey Mannix vs Dan Murray
Antonio Talivaa vs George Peterson
Jason Fawcett vs Jayden Riddle
Tylisha Turner vs Brianna Harrison
Bryce Jones vs Hector Tapueluelu
Jack Tresidder vs Dan Harwood
