Nikita Tszyu admits that his famous name added a certain level of pressure in his growing career.

Tszyu, 24-years-old, is taking part in his second professional fight on Wednesday night, against undefeated countryman Mason Smith (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight clash at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

The bout is co-featured attraction to the heavyweight fight between Paul Gallen and Kris Terzievski.

Tszyu (1-0, 1 KO) is the younger brother of top rated 154-pounder Tim Tszyu - and their father is Hall of Fame former world champion Kostya Tszyu - one of the most famous names in Australian and Russian boxing.

"There's a lot on the line with this," Nikita said to AAP

"There's the family name, the legacy behind it. So that pressure is keeping me sharp. It's keeping me really motivated to perform at my absolute peak.

"There's no denying [my famous name]. I can't blame myself for it. I was born out of a ball sack, came out of a ball sack and I'm making the most of the opportunities that come with it. There's a lot to defend. There's a lot of honor that comes with it. I love it. You've got to take risks in life."

Gallen (12-1-1, 7KO), the 41-year-old rugby league great, will be looking to go to war with Terzievski (10-1-1, 8KO). They will battle for the vacant Australian heavyweight title.

"I'm not going to say because I don't know but there's a chance, without a doubt," Gallen said.

"I've had a wonderful sporting career for a long time, put my body through a hell of a lot, my mind through a hell of a lot and my head. There comes a time in life where you've got to put your family first, your health first and it's pretty close, to be honest."