Tim Tsyzu's boxing career has been left in tatters after undefeated Russian champion Bakhram Murtazaliev handed him a beatdown of the highest order in the pair's IBF super welterweight world title fight Sunday in Orlando.
Making his highly anticipated return to the ring for the first time since tasting defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March, Tszyu appeared uncharacteristically slow and sluggish, miles away from what many had expected from a fighter rumoured to be in line to face some of boxing's biggest names in 2025.
Tszyu (24-2), the short-priced favourite with bookmakers, was knocked down three times in a brutal second round demolition, one that showcased the devastating power of Murtazaliev's (23-0) left hook. The Australian showed heart and determination in front of the small crowd, returning to his feet on each occasion and continuing to come forward toward his larger opponent.
But the fourth time Tszyu hit the canvas, early in the third round and moments after passing a standing eight count, his corner was given little choice but to wave the white flag and concede what could prove to be a career defining defeat.
"Every time I step into the ring, I'm willing to die in here. The better man won tonight," said Tszyu, moments after the fight had ended. "After the first shot, things didn't go according to plan. That's boxing. You get hit and your reactions are slower. I tried my best and these things happen. You live and you learn, right? He's the man."
The fight ended with Murtazaliev having landed 67 punches to Tszyu's 37, and 50 power punches to Tszyu's 25. And it was the Russian's quick jabs and jaw-dropping power from the left side that did the majority of damage, Tszyu unable to find any answers or build a requisite defense.
"Nobody can doubt his heart," Murtazaliev said of Tszyu. "When I landed that first shot, I knew how hard it was."
This game ain't easy, I hope Tim is physically ok, he's always been a good kid, mainstream media wake up, maybe learn your lessons and stop writing bullshit every second of the day, blowing to much smoke, there's other great fighters in the country too, god bless everyone 👏🏻
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) October 20, 2024
Tszyu's shock loss, his second in succession, leaves the Australian without a clear path to another world title fight in what's a stacked weight class.
Rumoured bouts against the likes of Jermell Charlo and Errol Spence Jr. would now appear to be completely off the table for Tszyu, as would a rematch against Fundora. It's a worrying place to be considering the 29-year-old confirmed earlier in the day he would be moving from Sydney to Las Vegas later this year to pursue his boxing dream.
Making this defeat even more heartbreaking was Tszyu's legendary father, Kostya, was in attendance at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort. It was the first time the Hall of Famer has watched his son fight live since his professional debut against Zorran Cassady at the SCG in Sydney eight years ago.
Tszyu will now be forced to re-group before plotting his next move.
"You have good nights and bad nights and tonight was just one of those things," Tszyu's manager Matt Rose told media after the fight. "I don't think it changes anything in regards to who Tim Tszyu is and, if anything, it shows the warrior that lives inside him.
"He's never gonna back down from anyone and whenever Tim Tszyu fights, he will always show up. From us, we're still super proud ... it's just one of those nights."