Tim Tszyu returns to the ring for the first time since losing his unbeaten record this weekend as he challenges Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super welterweight title at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida.
Tszyu lost his WBO title and missed out on the chance to claim the vacant WBC belt in a split decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora back in March.
Rather than line up a tune-up bout, Tszyu will jump back into action against an elite opponent in the 22-0 Murtazaliev, who is defending his IBF crown for the first time.
The Russian stopped Jack Culcay as an away fighter in Germany to claim the vacant IBF strap but Tszyu represents a big step up in class for Martazaliev.
- FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE - YES
- TIM TSZYU TO WIN BY DECISION OR TECHNICAL DECISION
Both Men Can Reach The Final Bell
Tszyu boasts impressive power with 17 stoppages in 24 wins, while Murtazaliev has a marginally better KO rate with 16 of his 22 fights finishing early.
The challenger will be eager to make an impression after losing a close fight to Fundora, perhaps harshly as he suffered a cut in the second round that clearly impacted on his performance, and we could be in for an explosive encounter - but that doesn’t necessarily mean an early finish is on the cards.
Both fighters know how to engineer a finish, but both are also incredibly durable. Tszyu was sent to the canvas in the first round of his 2022 bout with Terrell Gausha, but recorded and claimed a points win, while Murtazaliev has never been knocked down in his 22 fights.
Despite having his vision impaired against Fundora, Tszyu managed to avoid taking too much punishment and he never looked in any real danger of being knocked down so both of these tough competitors look capable of going the full 12 rounds.
FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE - YES
Technician Tszyu Can Get The Decision
Murtazaliev is a high-pressure fighter who likes to come forward and Tszyu is also happy to go on the attack.
That suggests we could be in for an all-action affair, but technically Tsyzu is the more refined and skilled fighter and he can pick up a points win here.
The fact he sustained a bad cut in the second round and still nearly beat Fundora, who had a significant height and reach advantage, shows the class that Tszyu possesses.
Saturday’s showdown in Orlando may prove to be Tszyu’s toughest test to date when the dust has settled, as Murtazaliev is a fierce competitor with impressive power and an aggressive style, but Tsyzu is experienced enough and slick enough to cope with those tactics.
The Russian is fairly one-dimensional and that gives the well-schooled Tszyu a clear advantage.
The Australian has the movement and ability to outbox the IBF champion and he can bounce back after his first career loss and become a world champion again, even if he is unable to add Murtazaliev to his list of KO victims.
TIM TSZYU TO WIN BY DECISION OR TECHNICAL DECISION
