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Tim Tszyu set for IBF title fight in the USA, set for biggest television audience of his career

Tim Tszyu is on the verge of locking in a world title shot and a path to a rematch with Sebastian Fundora. It could also bring the biggest audience of his career. Find out where and when:

Tim Tszyu is set to have an IBF world title shot later this year. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Tim Tszyu is set to have an IBF world title shot later this year. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu’s IBF world title fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev will likely be held in Florida in October and could see the Aussie fight in front of his biggest television audience ever.

Despite promoter No Limit’s attempts to stage the fight in Australia, this masthead can confirm there are talks for the blockbuster bout to be held in Orlando on October 19 (October 20 in Australia).

Although nothing has been formally signed off, the fight will likely be aired in America as a non-pay-per-view event on streaming giant Amazon Prime.

That means Tszyu could potentially reach 160 million sets of eyeballs, in what would easily be his biggest audience yet.

The fight will still be broadcast on pay-per-view via Main Event and Kayo Sports in Australia.

This masthead understands discussions are underway to lock in a venue and confirm the date for Tszyu’s long-awaited comeback.

Tim Tszyu’s last fight was a bloody loss to Sebastian Fundora by a split decision. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Tim Tszyu’s last fight was a bloody loss to Sebastian Fundora by a split decision. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

A win over Murtazaliev would open the door for an ambitious three-fight plan including mega-fights against longtime rivals Erickson Lubin and Jermell Charlo and a rematch with Sebastian Fundora.

In his last outing in March, Tszyu lost a bloody battle against Fundora for the WBO and WBC world titles.

He desperately wants a win over the 22-0 Murtazaliev to regain power over his career and have the ability to call the shots once again.

“I want to be the shot caller,” Tszyu told this masthead from his training camp in Las Vegas last week. “I want to dictate, and roll the dice the way I want to roll the dice.

“Becoming the world champ, that’s it. That’s the only thing that appetises me. When you get the belt, you’re the shot caller and instead of chasing people, they come running to you.”

Originally published as Tim Tszyu set for IBF title fight in the USA, set for biggest television audience of his career

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/boxing-mma/tim-tszyu-set-for-ibf-title-fight-in-the-usa-set-for-biggest-television-audience-of-his-career/news-story/ef64ef54d0c2659099c1e96adbfdf138