Australia’s Tim Tszyu has declared himself ready to become a two-time world champion – and punch his way into a string of “superfights” — after sensationally landing a blockbuster title bout against IBF champ Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Fox Sports Australia can reveal promoters No Limit have secured Tszyu a shock world title fight against Russia’s undefeated Murtazaliev only five months after being stripped of his own WBO super welterweight crown.
While no date or venue has been set, it’s understood Murtazaliev’s team will be pushing to have the fight Stateside, where he is now based, while No Limit will endeavour to have the bout held Down Under.
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Inside Tszyu bro’s Vegas training camp | 02:22
Incredibly, the announcement comes only three weeks after Tszyu fronted a Sydney press conference to announce he would be fighting an IBF world title eliminator, most likely against American Erickson Lubin, in Australia on September 22.
Yet in sensational circumstances, that event has now been scrapped as IBF officials instead agreed overnight for Tszyu to be elevated into a headliner against Murtazaliev (22-0).
The Russian has only held the world title since April, when he earned a late stoppage win over experienced German Jack Culcay.
Tszyu, meanwhile, will be in the unique position of looking to win a second world title belt immediately after losing his first.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia from Las Vegas, where he had already gone into camp for the IBF eliminator, the Australian superstar said he was “pumped” by the updated plans and warned Murtazaliev “has never faced anyone like me”.
Tszyu also heaped praise on promoters No Limit for securing a bout which suddenly has him back on track to reignite his famed ‘John Wick’ hit list – which includes boxing superstars like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo.
“I’m absolutely pumped,” the fighter dubbed Soul Taker said when confirming the news. “It’s time for me to go become a two-time world champion.
“Right now, the 154 pound division is red hot and we have to make the most of every opportunity.
“So it’s time to make some superfights, time to go make that big money.
“This is what it’s all about.”
The world title announcement ends a tough few months for Tszyu, who suffered the first loss of his career in contentious, and bloody, circumstances.
Back in March, the champ was upset by towering American southpaw Sebastian Fundora in a Las Vegas headliner that saw Tszyu suffer a serious head cut in round two, fight “completely blinded” by claret for 30 minutes and eventually lose via split decision.
Since then Australia’s boxing poster boy has also lost the opportunity for a Fundora rematch, been ruled out of a proposed world title fight with Vergil Ortiz Jnr – due to the head cut having failed to suitably heal – and then had Erickson Lubin knock back an IBF eliminator shot.
Yet when asked if, at any point, he has regretted fighting on against Fundora when cut — instead of trying to withdraw before the end of the fourth and take a No Contest result, and an immediate rematch — Tszyu replied: “Nah, I don’t live my life with regret.
“(Plus) when I walked away from that Fundora fight, I didn’t feel like a loser.
“Didn’t come out of that fight a loser.
“Nothing changed.
“There was only a point in it — after I’d suffered a big disadvantage — and I think the IBF recognises that.
“So I’m glad for everything that’s happened because it’s all part of my story.
“And now it just makes things more interesting.”
Doesn’t it what?
Tszyu v Fundora – Full Press Conference | 41:24
While he may be coming off the first loss of his professional career, Tszyu (24-1) also said he was feeling great after his first two weeks of camp in the United States.
Asked about Murtazaliev, the eldest son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu also suggested with a smile that he knows more than a little about the Russian style of fighting.
“Yes, he’s good,” Tszyu started of the champ.
“He’s world champion for a reason and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“But Bakhram has never had an opponent like me.
“He also comes from that Russian boxing school which, while one of the best in the world, is one I grew up learning.
“So I know the school he comes from.
“He’s good but I believe I’m better.”
Tszyu added that he has been keeping an eye on Murtazaliev since early last year.
“A fight between us was first discussed straight after my Tony Harrison win,” he said, referencing that brutal KO over the former world champion in March, 2023.
“So it’s been a long time coming.
“I knew about him a long time ago and I’ve had my eyes on him.
“And he has the title now so he can’t be hiding anymore.”
Tszyu added that, while he may be the challenger, and a world title fight of this magnitude would usually be held in the States, he and his team will be pushing to have the bout Down Under.
Source Agencies
