Former WBO junior-middleweight champion Tim Tszyu is expected to make his return to the ring as he will challenge reigning IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) on Saturday night, 19 of October, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. Florida, streaming live on Amazon Prime Video.
(Credit: Joseph Correa/Premier Boxing Champions)
PBC’s Tszyu vs. Murtazaliev bout is expected to be an action-packed battle between two tough fighters. The 29-year-old Tszyu will try to become a two-time world champion, while the 31-year-old Bakhram Murtazaliev will look to succeed in his first title defense.
Tim Tszyu is the son of former 140-pound unified world champion Kostya Tszyu. A native of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Tim Tszyu is a polarizing figure in his home region, but he put boxing fans in the United States and around the world on alert when he fought a native of Detroit, Michigan which is an ancient world. champion
In March 2023, former WBC junior-middleweight world champion Tony Harrison traveled to Sydney, Australia to fight Tim Tszyu. In the opening round of the bout, Harrison controlled most of the round staying on the outside and still landing a strong jab.
For the next seven rounds, Tszyu regularly pressed forward and landed well-placed power punches. In the final minute of round 9, Tszyu stopped Harrison when he landed a flurry of power shots. With the win, Tim Tszyu won the vacant WBO Interim junior-middleweight title.
After Jermell Charlo moved up two weight classes to challenge Canelo Alvarez, Tim Tszyu was elevated from interim champion to WBO 154-pound world champion on October 15, 2023. Five months later, Tszyu traveled to Las Vegas to defend his title against Sebastian Fundora.
Throughout the opening round, Tszyu consistently landed clean right hand shots.
Tszyu continued to land right hands in the second round, but as the round drew to a close, Tszyu was hit by an accidental elbow that opened a terrible cut on the top of his head.
With blood constantly flowing into his eyes and all over his face, Tim Tszyu continued to engage in a fight that turned into a back and forth battle. At the conclusion of the 12-round contest, Sebastian Fundora earned the split decision victory.
Now, former WBO junior-midweight world champion Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) is ready to step back into the ring and attempt to become a two-time world champion at 154. Standing in the way Tszyu is a champion Guess he wants some respect to be placed on his name.
A native of Grozny, Russia, Bakhram Murtazaliev is a fighting talent who has made moves under the radar. Back in April 2024, Murtazaliev traveled to Germany and signed Jack Culcay in the 11th round. With the win, Murtazaliev won the vacant IBF world title.
Bakhram Murtazaliev is a strong fighter who is a good counterpuncher and has a powerful right hand. Tim Tszyu is a boxer who thrives on the application of mental pressure. He has exceptional timing and accuracy. Tszyu is also a good counter puncher whose money shots are the right hand and the uppercut.
The IBF junior-middleweight championship is guaranteed to be an action-packed fan-friendly event. The only question is, will it end in a stoppage, or will we see a fun 12-round battle?
