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This was published 1 year ago

This wasn’t a defeat, it was a disaster. Now Tim Tszyu only has one choice

Adrian Proszenko
Updated ,first published

Tszyu said he’d never fight Zerafa. Now there’s no other choice

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Just seven months ago, Tim Tszyu’s handlers were deep in negotiations for a megafight against Terence Crawford, arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

The payday possibilities were endless. If not Crawford, then Errol Spence Jnr. Or the elusive Jermell Charlo. Heck, maybe even the great Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

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Landing any of those names would be a licence to print money, as well as a chance to fulfil Tszyu’s ambition of overtaking the likes of Cameron Smith, Ben Simmons, Jordan Mailata and Oscar Piastri as Australia’s highest-paid athlete.

Yet after what transpired against Bakhram Murtazaliev at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, such thoughts are now preposterous.

Losing is bad for business

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It’s a line that has been attributed to, among other people, Nick Politis, the poweful Sydney Roosters chairman.

And this result is a disaster for Tszyu Inc.

Tim Tszyu was on the end of a boxing clinic.No Limit

Prior to this fight, Tszyu was talking about wanting to become the highest-paid Australian athlete, overtaking the likes of Cameron Smith, Ben Simmons, Jordan Mailata and Oscar Piastri.

That is now fantasy.

Forget the cut, we’re now seeing the psychological scars

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I’ve been ringside for almost all of Tim Tszyu’s fights. I’ve never seen him so defenceless.

For all of Tszyu’s power and precision, he has always displayed a high boxing IQ, knowing when to cover up or smother on the few occasions he’s been in trouble.

The champion lands another one right on the button.No Limit

I remember being at Minneapolis when he walked into a series of right hands from Terrell Gaucha in the opening round, blows that could have effectively ended his career just as it appeared on the rise.

However, I was shocked at how often he got tagged by Bakhram Murtazaliev.

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Tszyu said he’d never fight Michael Zerafa. It’s time to reconsider

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In the lead up to Tim Tszyu’s fight against Sebastian Fundora, his management were deep in negotiations to line up a huge payday against superstars Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr.

Those plans spectacularly unravelled after that infamous head cut, which resulted in his first loss.

Many positives could be taken away from that performance, but not this one.

Bakhram Murtazaliev was too good.No Limit

This was one of the most brutal, lopsided beat-downs in boxing history.

Critics start laying into Tszyu

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There was nothing in Bakhram Murtazaliev’s previous fight that suggested the devastating outcome of this one.

Murtazaliev was criticised for looking ponderous in his win against Jack Culcay, but this performance was from the very top shelf. The Russian set up the victory early with a measured jab and then a devastating left.

Tim Tszyu as he enters the ring.No Limit

Commentators suggested Tszyu relied too much on his power, standing in front of his opponent when he should have used his evasive skills.

“The body language of Tim Tszyu was very arrogant,” said former world champion Shawn Porter in commentary.

This a devastating result for Tim Tszyu.No Limit

Tszyu speaks after devastating defeat

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Tim Tszyu has paid tribute to his opponent after being totally outclassed.

“Every time I step into the ring, I’m willing to die here.

Tim Tszyu is still coming to terms with the result.Tom Pombart / No Limit Boxing

“Thing didn’t go to plan, the better man won. Congratulations to Bakhram, he was that bit better.

“No excuses, I tried my best. These things happen, it’s not meant to be perfect, you live and you learn.

“Things didn’t go according to plan, you get hit and your reactions are a bit slower. Victory belongs to Bakhram, he is the man at 154 [pounds] and the IBF champion.”

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Here’s how the action unfolded ...

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Bakhram Murtazaliev dominated from the outset.Tom Pombart / No Limit Boxing
Tim Tszyu suffers a shock loss.Tom Pombart / No Limit Boxing

That’s two losses for Tszyu in a row. There’s nothing positive to take away from this one

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Murtazaliev has been very gracious in victory.

“When I landed that first shot, I felt how hard it was,” he said.

“I wish him all the best, I’d be happy to work with him. I’d welcome him to our gym so we can train and continue to grow.”

Tszyu totally dominated

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This has been a monumental upset.

Just 1 minute and 55 seconds into round three, the fight was called off.

Murtazaliev could not have been more impressive. He found his range early with the jab and then the left hook did the heavy damage.

Tszyu seemingly just couldn’t get out of the way as the flurries kept coming at him. Murtazaliev landed with 48 per cent of his power punches.

This is an unmitigated disaster for Tszyu, whose career is at the crossroads.

“I didn’t think I would stop him that fast,” Murtazaliev said.

“I just created some opportunities in my training camp. It was up to God who will decide this fight.”

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Round 3: Tszyu’s corner throws in the towel. It’s over!

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Tim Tszyu was knocked down a FOURTH time in one of the most one-sided world title fights you will every see.

Murtazaliev was totally dominant, again doing the damage with the lethal left hand.

Tszyu somehow managed to get back up, but when the barrage continued, his corner did the right thing and threw in the towel.

What an unbelievable result!

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