World boxing champion Kostya Tszyu is heading back to Russia, where he is to be recognised as the Russian sports star of the year living abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Australian citizen Tszyu back to his country of birth to collect his award at a ceremony on Friday.

Tszyu beat a host of Russian-born athletes competing around the world.

Tszyu made a triumphant return to the ring after a 22-month injury layoff, stopping America's Sharmba Mitchell inside three rounds last month to become the undisputed super lightweight world champion.

"It is big honour for me to receive this award in my homeland," said Tszyu.

"I live in Sydney and I'm very Aussie now, but I will always be Russian too - it's my blood."

Tszyu will depart for Russia still uncertain about who his next opponent will be. The 140-pound (62.5kg) champion has expressed a desire to move up a division to challenge undisputed welterweight king, Cory Spinks, or remain at super lightweight and challenge New Jersey-based brawler, Arturo Gatti, for his version of the title.

IBF mandatory challenger, Ricky Hatton, has also been relentless in his desire to get Tszyu in the ring.

His promoter, Frank Warren, said he was prepared to pay Tszyu $US3 million ($A4 million) to bring him to England and give Hatton home advantage at the MEN Arena.

Warren said he had spoken to US television network Showtime TV which was happy for the fight to be staged in England in March or April but would insist it was held at around 4am to suit American schedules.

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