Nikita Tszyu is intent on carving his own path as the unbeaten Australian prepares for a dream US debut at the very same venue where his legendary father won his last bout.
The 28-year-old son of a gun will feature on the blockbuster card headlined by David "The Mexican Monster’' Benavidez against Michal Cieslak at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on December 5.
No Limit Boxing plans to reveal Tszyu's opponent in the next week, but the Sydney southpaw couldn't care less who it is.
Nor does Tszyu (12-0-1, 10 KOs) have any concerns about preparing for an unknown rival.
"I've (had) like over 30 amateur fights where you don't know who you're fighting 'til the day," he said on Friday.
"I've also prepared for a lot of my professional fights not knowing what I'm fighting. I get told kind of last minute and I just changed the game plan for that."
Tszyu has never taken the easy road. He overcame six unbeaten fighters in his first eight professional bouts, then added previously undefeated Lulzim Ismaili and Spaniard Oscar Diaz to his record.
He most recently went 12 rounds for the first time, fighting the undefeated Ben Mahoney to a controversial split draw in August in Brisbane.
But now he is entering the unknown - and is embracing the challenge of featuring on a non-No Limit card for the first time.
"That's the whole point. I need to learn to be uncomfortable," Tszyu said.
"I've had a pretty comfortable sleep so far. Everything's been tailored.
"I've had a lot of headlining fights. I've only been on maybe two or three cards where I wasn't the headliner.
"So this is a completely new experience for me and that's what we need. I can't always be the star of the show.
"This is a great humbling moment to be able to be pretty much at the bottom of the show and have the opportunity to make my name my own name."
Not that the so-called "Butcher" isn't proud to be fighting at a venue steeped in Tszyu family history.
On November 6, 2004, in the same building, then known as Glendale Arena, Tszyu's Hall of Fame father Kostya claimed the final victory of his illustrious career.
He dropped Sharmba Mitchell four times on his way to a third-round stoppage to retain the IBF super-lightweight world title.
"It's one of the fights that I really loved with my dad, where he just broke down Sharmba Mitchell in like three rounds or so," Tszyu said.
"So it holds a special place in my heart. It will be special to write the next chapter of our family's story there.
"I'm just excited to be making my US debut. To be on a massive David Benavidez card is truly an honour.
"He's the most exciting fighter in the world. He comes forward, he hurts people and he never gives anyone an easy night. That's the kind of fighting I respect. I also like to fight with that warrior mentality."
