On Saturday night, live from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL, former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) aims to become a two-time title holder as he faces the IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs). The fight will be available to Prime Video subscribers in the US and select countries. While Tszyu is fresh off his bloody war with unified champion Sebastian Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) in March, he has tapped into a resource that was always available to him to strengthen not only his skills ahead of his title fight but also the bond shared between father and son.
Tszyu’s Quest To Maintain The Term “Activity Matters” In His Career
Tszyu is a nightmare for junior middleweights, as his relentless pressure can drain all of the energy from his opponents. In March, he was matched with Fundora instead of his original opponent, Keith Thurman. Nonetheless, Tszyu was ready to shine on Premier Boxing Champions’ first PPV under their deal with Prime Video. On fight night, with his father (Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu) sitting ringside, Tszyu aimed to become a unified champion. In the second round, an accidental elbow by Fundora split Tszyu’s forehead open, turning it into an immediate bloody mess. Tszyu lost via split decision that night. Although he attempted a comeback in August against Vergil Ortiz Jr., his doctors did not allow him to proceed with the fight as the cut hadn’t healed properly.
For a guy who likes to fight at least three times a year, being reduced to maybe only two in 2024 could be frustrating. But leave it up to Tszyu to see the glass as half full, not half empty. “Actually, twice a year isn’t too bad,” said Tszyu. “Three times a year would have been ideal. It could still be ideal (smiles); never say never. I think activity matters. That’s where growth happens and consistency. I’m all about growth.”
The Bond Between Father & Son
The word “growth” left a lasting impression when Tszyu mentioned it, as he took the time away from the ring to connect in person with his father for an extended period of time. That wasn’t for leisure; it was to enhance his killer instinct as a fighter and reconnect with his father. Their relationship hadn’t been as strong as it could have been with Tszyu living in Australia and his father in Thailand. Tszyu went to Thailand to train with his father, and the legend seemed to love the opportunity to bond with his son. Did the experience tug at his father’s emotional strings as they worked on what could be considered the family business? “Yeah, I’m sure it did,” said a smiling Tszyu. “He’ll be at my fight which will be the second time at the fights. It was a cool experience. To be picking his brain and connecting as father and son more importantly.”
While the videos of Tszyu and his father training were enjoyed worldwide, it was hard not to notice that the 55-year-old Hall of Famer still looked lively and in shape—but what was funny was that he was doing so in a pair of Crocs. When Tszyu was asked what was more impressive: his father’s shape at 55 or shadowboxing in Crocs, the answer wouldn’t surprise anyone. “(Laughs) You know what, they are both pretty impressive. He’s got moves no matter what.”
Tszyu Looks To Become A Two-Time Champ On Saturday
On Saturday night, Tszyu will be fighting in Orlando for the first time, but that’s not a bad thing. Tszyu feels that “it’s important to fight in different parts of the world” mainly because fighters are “in this sport for such a short period of time.” For those in Florida who have never seen him fight, Tszyu plans to bring what he always does to his fights: all-out action. “That’s what I’m bringing. Expect that from me. I’m going to bring the heat. I’m not here to tip-tap. I’m here to bring it on.”
At the end of the night, Tszyu looks to leave a lasting impression on the fans. According to Tszyu, when the fans leave the ballroom on Saturday night, they will say, “Wow, we experienced this.’ I want people to be sort of speechless.” More importantly, what message does he want to send to the rest of the division? “The champ is back.”
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