Declaring himself to be a "fresh 35" Kostya Tszyu has been preparing to return to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs for his long awaited return to the boxing ring.

Tszyu, who turned 35 last Sunday, confirmed he would make a mandatory defence of his International Boxing Federation super lightweight title against interim champion Sharmba Mitchell on November 7 at Phoenix's new 17,000 seat Glendale Arena.

Both Tszyu and trainer Johnny Lewis said he would have no excuses following a 22-month lay-off caused by Achilles and shoulder injuries.

The last time Tszyu journeyed to Phoenix, in July 2000, he stopped Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez in front of a huge and hostile and largely Hispanic crowd.

"After that fight, the Mexicans really liked Kostya's style of fighting and I think he will get plenty of support there. After it was over, they were respectful," Tszyu's trainer Johnny Lewis said.

Promoter Vlad Warton and Tszyu opted for Phoenix ahead of New York's Madison Square Garden which was unavailable and other east coast venues in Atlantic City.

"There's not much interest in going from this climate in November to a cold climate in the United States, Phoenix is warm in November and Kostya has a good track record there," said Tszyu's manager Matthew Watt.

A philosophical Tszyu said his major motivation was to produce great performances and the most important thing for him was establishing a legacy for his children.

Formerly the undisputed super lightweight world champion, Tszyu said titles no longer meant as much to him as they did earlier in his career.

"I am a big prize fighter and you have to attract people, it doesn't matter whether you've got belts or not," Tszyu said.

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