Tim Tszyu’s homecoming likely delayed after landing IBF world title fight

Tim Tszyu has landed an IBF world title fight, but may be forced to travel overseas to contest it.

Tim Tszyu’s Australian homecoming is set to be delayed, with his IBF world title fight likely heading to America.

Tszyu was scheduled to fight in Australia on September 22, but those plans have been put on ice after the Aussie landed a fight with IBF world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.

The fight will see Tszyu have the chance to become a two-time world champion, and set him up for a collection of big-money blockbusters in the future. 

But, Team Tszyu says a big-time world title fight against Terence Crawford, can wait.

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California-based Russian Murtazaliev, who won the IBF belt in April, has already said he’s unwilling to travel to Australia to fight Tszyu.

“I think the way it’s heading at the moment, it’s strongly pushing towards being in the US,” No Limit CEO George Rose told this masthead. “Team Tszyu is ok with that.

“The ideal situation for everyone is that we get the fight here in Australia, but at the same time, if we’ve got to travel to the US, we’ve done that before.”

No Limit and Murtazaliev’s team have until September 5 to agree to terms for a fight, but Rose said an announcement could be made much sooner.

The original September 22 date is still a possibility, but it’s more likely the fight will be pushed back to October.

A win will see Tszyu eye up a unification rematch with Sebastian Fundora, possibly later this year.

Hunting season

— Tim Tszyu (@Tim_Tszyu) August 6, 2024

Fundora scored a split decision win over the Aussie after Tszyu suffered a hideous cut from an elbow in the second round.

“Revenge is on the list, and it’s going to happen someway, somehow,” Rose said. “Tim Tszyu’s the best fighter in the division he he’s ready for anybody.

“Errol Spence is also floating around the division, and Jermell Charlo’s back on the scene.”

But Crawford, who claimed the WBO and WBA world titles in his first fight at super-welterweight against Israil Madrimov last weekend, surprisingly isn’t high on the agenda.

“That’s a fight that we’d love to have at the right time and the right place whenever they’re ready, and it’ll make a great fight,” Rose said. “We’ll definitely get back to Terence and his team on what could be around the corner.

Tszyu will fight Bakhram Murtazaliev later this year. Picture: Hannes P. Albert/picture alliance via Getty Images

“Our focus is not so much on jumping in line to fight Crawford, it’s more about forging our own path.

“That’s what we’re doing at the moment. We’re heading towards the IBF belt, and once we have that, everybody can come along and take their chance at trying to win that title of us.

“Crawford is not a frequent fighter. Tim’s a frequent fighter, so I think by the time Crawford’s ready to go again, Tim’s probably had three or four fights by then.

“And he might have a few more belts around his waist.”

Tszyu (pictured) wants revenge against Sebastian Fundora. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu gets shock world title fight

Tim Tszyu will return to the ring for an IBF world title fight against current champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.

The fight does not have a date or venue, but Tszyu’s camp hopes it will be held in Australia.

Tszyu was scheduled to fight in Australia on September 22, and had been eyeing up long-time rival Erislandy Lara.

That fight was slated to be an IBF title eliminator, but it fell through last month.

Tszyu’s promoters, No Limit, switched their attention to Murtazaliev, with the fight now finally official.

“I’m blessed to be in this position again and fighting for another world title. It’s amazing. It’s time to become a two-time world champ,” Tszyu said.

Tim Tszyu returns in a world title fight. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

“(Murtazaliev’s) a world champion for a reason, and in this level you’ve just got to take them all out one by one. And they all will fall so, I’m looking forward to this challenge wherever it is. It’s been a long time coming.”

Murtazaliev has been on Tszyu’s hit list, with the Aussie telling Code Sports three weeks ago that he was already lining up a fight with him.

“It’s happening. It’s all lined up, Bakhram at the end of the year,” he said. “I’m gonna take him out, man.

“They shall fall.

“We’re keeping the momentum rolling. I’m not sitting on the sidelines.”

In reality, they’ve been on a collision course for years.

“The first time me and Bakrham were discussed was before the Tony Harrison fight (in March 2023), straight after the Charlo withdrawal, so I knew about him a long time ago,” he said. “I’ve had my eyes on him and it’s good that he’s got the title now and been mandated so he can’t be hiding anymore.

“Being a shot caller again and controlling the narrative, that’s what you get with being a world champion.

“It’s my second opportunity to get back to where I belong and to control the narrative and to choose my shots.”

Bakhram Murtazaliev is the IBF champion. Picture: Hannes P. Albert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Tszyu’s camp and Murtazaliev’s promoters will now negotiate where and when the fight will be held.

“Of course I’d love the world title to be in Australia and to be fighting in front of home fans but look it doesn’t bother me, I’ll fight anywhere,” he said.

“Good things come to those who wait and my victory is their victory so buckle up and enjoy the ride because the next few years and next couple of months is quite exciting not just for me but for the whole of Australia I’m blessed and lucky enough to share it with everyone around me.”

Murtazaliev is a perfect 22-0 as a professional, winning the IBF belt with an 11th round knockout of Jack Culcay in April.

This will be the American-based Russian’s first title defence.

The fight will be Tszyu’s first since his bloodbath defeat to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas in March.

He was scheduled to fight Vergil Ortiz, but the cut he picked up against Fundora hadn’t healed in time for the August 8 fight date.

Tszyu is in Las Vegas for an intense fight camp alongside younger brother Nikita.

“Itchy knuckles, they’re real, bro,” he said of finally being able to spar again after being sidelined due to the cut. “It’s magnets to the face. You don’t even want to hit the body.

“Home, sweet home.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu’s homecoming likely delayed after landing IBF world title fight