When it comes to getting ready for a big fight, most athletes stick to strict training routines and carefully planned diets.
But Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu has taken a very different path, revealing that his preparation for his next match includes something few people would expect—his wife’s placenta in capsule form, and even some of her breast milk.
The 26-year-old fighter, who is set to step into the ring against undefeated Lulzim Ismaili on August 20, opened up about his unusual nutrition habits during an interview on Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy.
The “Cannibal” Claim
Sharing the story with a laugh, Tszyu explained that he and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl, whom they named Curiosity.
Following the birth, they freeze-dried his wife’s placenta and turned it into capsules that he’s now adding to his diet.
“I’ve technically become a cannibal,” he joked, before claiming that the capsules gave him a noticeable energy boost.
“It’s actually like a superpower,” he said, noting that he could feel the difference in his sparring sessions depending on whether he had taken them or not.
Breast Milk on the Menu
The lighthearted exchange didn’t stop there.
When host Beau Ryan playfully asked if Tszyu had also tried breastfeeding, the boxer responded without hesitation: “I have, I have.”
Another host, Woods, chimed in, pointing out that breast milk is often praised for being one of the purest and healthiest natural foods.
Tszyu agreed—and even added that it tasted “delicious.”
A Trend Among New Mothers
Interestingly, Tszyu isn’t the only one exploring placenta consumption.
Australian rugby league star Millie Elliott, who is expecting her first child in September, has also revealed plans to encapsulate her placenta after giving birth.
The practice, known as placentophagy, has gained traction in Australia in recent years.
Advocates say it helps new mothers recover faster, boosts energy, and even improves milk supply.
The process typically involves drying the placenta, grinding it into a fine powder, and sealing it inside capsules for easier consumption.
While some women swear by its benefits, medical professionals remain divided, with limited scientific evidence backing the claims.
Still, the practice continues to grow in popularity across the country.
Balancing Family Life and Fight Camp
For Tszyu, the arrival of his daughter has provided more than just unusual diet options—it has given him a new source of motivation.
He described simply looking into her eyes as “beautiful and motivating,” helping him push through the toughest parts of training.
That said, his preparation hasn’t been without its struggles.
As he works to cut weight for the fight, Tszyu admitted that he’s been torturing himself by scrolling through endless food videos at night.
“I’ll sit in bed for an hour just watching,” he confessed.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s messy barbecues or dodgy pizzas—I just sit there like, ‘Oh yes.’”
What’s Next for Tszyu?
With the countdown on to his clash against Ismaili, Tszyu seems determined to carry both his unconventional methods and newfound inspiration into the ring.
Whether placenta capsules and breast milk will give him the edge he’s looking for remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he’s approaching this fight in a way no one else is.
