Konstantin `Kostya’ Tszyu is snubbing a directive from the World Boxing Association (WBA) to fight Guyanese `Vicious’ Vivian Harris and is going ahead with plans to meet Sharmba Mitchell next February.

Tszyu, who holds all three major world titles in the junior welterweight category, stands the chance of being stripped by the WBA if he goes ahead with his plans.

Speaking with Stabroek Sport from Brooklyn yesterday, Harris said that he received news of Tszyu’s plans earlier in the week. “He doesn’t want to fight me. He’d rather take on Mitchell,” Harris said.

A Sports Scope appearing in this newspaper last month had pointed out that the Russian would prefer to be stripped rather that fight Harris.

Last month the WBA ordered Tszyu, its super champion, to make a mandatory defence against Harris. Tszyu, who will turn 34 on September 19, is scheduled to meet Mitchell on February 7, in Moscow, Russia when he will put the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Council and WBA belts at stake

Meanwhile, Harris disclosed that he will be returning home for a short visit. “My next fight won’t be until January so I’ll come home for a short rest then it’s back to training.” (Steve Ninvalle)