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Tszyu Clowns Murtazaliev In Their Final Presser
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Tszyu Clowns Murtazaliev In Their Final Presser

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com  |  Last updated Oct 18, 2024 12:55 AM ET

Tim Tszyu and Bakhram Murtazaliev had his final pre-fight presser ahead of their IBF Junior Middleweight Championship fight on Saturday. 

Tszyu enters the fight with the first loss of his career, which came against Sebastian Fundora in March. He lost a controversial split decision after suffering a massive cut over his hairline, which resulted in excessive bleeding. Tim’s corner decided to continue with the fight rather than stopping it. The Australian admitted that his vision was compromised for most of the fight.

It played a pivotal role, as Tim was dominating the earlier rounds before the cut happened. Tszyu was scheduled to face Virgil Ortiz Jr. in August. However, the Australian withdrew from the fight as he confirmed that the cut had not healed. He has reassured fans that the cut is now under control, but there are still question marks over whether it will hold up once he is hit near the area. 

Tszyu Vs. Murtazaliev

Murtazaliev is undefeated, with a 22-0 record. He has 16 knockouts to his name, as he stopped Jack Culcay the last time out. That was his third stoppage out of his last five fights. But his resume, compared to Tszyu’s, is far less impressive. However, he will have the advantage of targeting that cut to see if it will reopen. The winner knows they have huge unification fights on offer, as a lucrative bout with Terence Crawford is realistic. Meanwhile, there is also the opportunity to face Fundora, who has the WBC and WBO belts. The two fighters were ready for the fight as they had plenty to say.

Presser

“He was also eating chips the other night. It doesn’t make sense. No I don’t think he’s struggling [to make weight], I think he’s stupid. I’ve always wanted the biggest and toughest challenges out there so for me it was a no-brainer. I was actually hunting him down for some time. I remember calling the boys as soon as the me and (Jermell) Charlo fight got not made and saying ‘let’s go for Bakhram’.

Apparently they didn’t want it. I’ve been chasing the big fights, the big names, the toughest, scariest monsters out there. Fortunately, they don’t frighten me. For me this is not just an ordinary fight, this is a vengeance fight. It’s not just a world title, it’s the come back. I believe I am the man at 154 (pounds). [And] I just need the time to prove it. I keep taking these one-on-one fights and one-by-one I’m looking to get rid of each and every one of them,” Tszyu 

“Step aside money and easier opponents to keep that mandatory spot is much easier than facing the big, bad monster,” Murtazaliev

Full Card

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu, 12 rounds, for Murtazaliev’s IBF junior middleweight title

Yoenis Tellez vs. Johan Gonzalez, 10 rounds, junior middleweights

Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Endry Saavedra, 10 rounds, middleweights

Carlos Jackson vs. Ryan Lee Allen, 8 rounds, junior featherweights

Dainier Pero vs. Willie Jake Jr., 8 rounds, heavyweights

Justin Viloria vs. Diuhl Olguin, 8 rounds, junior lightweights

Gary Antonio Russell vs. Jaden Burnias, 6 rounds, junior featherweights

Jocksan Blanco vs. Angel Ilarraza, 6 rounds, welterweights

Roberto Raul Rivera Gomez vs. Martin Diaz, 6 rounds, junior lightweights

Michael Garcia vs. Edwin Calixto, 4 rounds, junior welterweights

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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