Brendan Bradford

Nikita Tszyu has transformed into a “beast” who wants to “really hurt” Gold Coast battler Ben Mahoney after a push-and-shove on stage at Tuesday's weigh-ins.

Nikita Tszyu has transformed into a “beast” who wants to “really hurt” Gold Coast battler Ben Mahoney after a push-and-shove on stage at Tuesday’s weigh-ins.

A fired-up Nikita Tszyu says he will “bend the rules” to bludgeon Ben Mahoney as his camp confidently declared ‘The Butcher' will be a world champion within 12 months.

A fired-up Nikita Tszyu says he will “bend the rules” to bludgeon Ben Mahoney as his camp confidently declared ‘The Butcher’ will be a world champion within 12 months.

A fired-up Nikita Tszyu says he will “bend the rules” to bludgeon Ben Mahoney as his camp confidently declared ‘The Butcher' will be a world champion within 12 months.

The fireworks continued into the early hours after Wednesday night's controversial split draw between Nikita Tszyu and Ben Mahoney , with long-simmering boxing rivalries threatening to erupt on the Gold Coast.

The fireworks continued into the early hours after Wednesday night’s controversial split draw between Nikita Tszyu and Ben Mahoney, with long-simmering boxing rivalries threatening to erupt on the Gold Coast.

Nikita Tszyu admitted Ben Mahoney should have “edged it” after their thrilling IBF world title eliminator ended in a split draw.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images and names of deceased persons.