More nervous than any fight, says Tim of popping the question
Tim Tszyu risks being knocked unconscious each time he steps in the ring, but never has he faced fear like he did when he proposed to long-time partner Alexandra Constantine.
On Christmas Eve last year, 28-year-old Tszyu took Ms Constantine and their
french bulldog Pablo to their local dog park, got down on one knee, and she said “Yes”.
“Let’s just say when I did it, I was very, very nervous – more nervous than any fight,” Tszyu said.
The intensely private couple have given a rare insight into their relationship – they did not announce their engagement on social media
and only a handful of people knew before this interview.
On the eve of the biggest fight of his career, a unification world title bout against Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas, Tszyu revealed how integral his relationship has been to his career.
“She understands the selfishness that’s needed,” said Tszyu, who has been in camp for 20 weeks, including the past three months in Vegas. “I’d say a lot of women won’t understand that, putting myself first at all times, and going all in on an obsession. Being second best is hard for a woman, but she understands.”
Ms Constantine, who has worked in the property and finance industries, doesn’t view Tszyu’s trips away as a negative. “When he’s gone for a long time for a camp, it gives me a chance to focus on myself and be my own person,” she said.
“Some women get lost in whoever their husband or partner is ... I’m not that person, I’ve always been very strong and independent.
“It’s quite freeing.”