But bigger things may be in store for the second-generation fighter should Tszyu (12-0, 10 KOs) get past his next test against Ben Mahoney (17-0-1, 9 KOs) Wednesday at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.

The junior middleweight matchup is an IBF title eliminator, and a victory would get Tszyu closer to a crack at a crown currently held by Josh Kelly, as timing allows.

"For me this becomes the final step in the Australian side of things," Tszyu said during his media availability this week. "If I get past Mahoney, I've essentially done what I need to in the Australian scene; then I can continually progress into the world rankings and be getting better things.

“Mahoney is probably the most technical fighter I've ever had to face. I've always viewed him as the guy I need to beat to get to the world stage ... it's going to be hard and I have to be really prepared."

"The Butcher" is the younger son of Kostya Tszyu and brother of former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu, but held his own lately. His matchup against Mahoney marks a fourth appearance in 12 months.

Nikita has beaten the likes of previous unbeatens Lulzim Ismaili and Oscar Diaz in that time.

Sandwiched in between those stoppage victories for the 28-year-old southpaw was an anticlimactic clash against former world title challenger Michael Zerafa in January. Their fight ended prematurely at the start of round three after Zerafa told the ringside doctor he couldn't see following an accidental clash of heads.

Like Tszyu, Mahoney is Australian, and the 31-year-old has never fought outside of the country.

"It's just another name for me," Mahoney said. "This is about me cementing my last name and my legacy, and it's just timed out that we got someone of the Tszyu name, a massive name in itself, and lined up perfectly for this. Obviously, winning this can lead to a much bigger opportunity in a world title bout.

"He's good. He's got a stellar record, beaten good dudes, and proved he's a challenge. So, I'm excited for a nice hard fight. It's boxing — anything can happen. We're planning to get the win regardless."

Tszyu does not sound too concerned heading into his latest step up.

"A lot of the time they say the experience is going to be too much, be too big of a step, you shouldn't have taken this one," Tszyu said.

"But I've been victorious every single time, so it's nice being able to prove them wrong, and I'm going to get another one on top of them."

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.