Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) is confident of becoming a world champion again when he takes on IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) in the main event at PBC this Saturday, October 19 Prime Video at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
(Credit: Alex Sanchez/Premier Boxing Champions)
Tszyu (29) says he considers Bakhram a “step aside fighter” and mentions that some fighters “are not promotable.” The Grozny, Russia-born Bakhram is not well-known in the US, but if he defeats former WBO 154-lb champion Tszyu in impressive fashion, he will get a lot of attention from American and Australian fans.
Bakhram has excellent power, and puts his punches together well in combination. He recently captured the vacant IBF title earlier this year, knocking out Jack Culcay in the 11th round on April 6 in Stadthalle, Falkensee, Germany. This will be Bakhram’s first defense of his IBF belt.
Tszyu lost his WBO belt to Sebastian Fundora via a 12-round split decision earlier this year on March 30 in Las Vegas. The fight was dominated by Tszyu early on, but after suffering a bad cut in the second round, he struggled due to blood leaking into his eyes.
The 6’6″ Fundora accidentally elbowed Tszyu on the forehead, opening a large gash that bled profusely for the rest of the contest. Tszyu’s corner must have considered pulling him out at some point because he couldn’t see properly, and took a lot of unnecessary punishment.
“They keep saying that Bakhram is being avoided. It’s nonsense. I’ve been chasing him for a long time,” said Tim Tszyu Fox Sports Australia about his title challenge from IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev this Saturday night.
“It’s a difficult challenge, I think, but I’m here to show that I’m levels above. Some guys are not promoteable at all. It’s not my fault. He is a step aside fighter. I’m here to take on the biggest challenges, the toughest battles, and the biggest to create a legacy and make a ton of money.
“He on the other side. He puts aside money, this and that. We are in two different worlds. I’m getting quite used to the fact that people are much taller than me. They can be as long as they want. I grew, and I got used to eliminating all the distractions. It’s not about who’s around me. It depends on myself. Australia, we are going to have a world champion coming back home.
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