Why early April could shape as the most pivotal week in Australian combat sport history

Tim Tszyu and Alex Volkanovski are former world champions - and both will fight to save their respective careers over what’s been billed as the biggest week in Aussie combat sport history.

Tim Tszyu is in preparation for the most important fight of his life. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images)

Tim Tszyu and Alex Volkanovski each fight for their careers within seven days of each other in what could turn out to be the most pivotal week in Australian combat sport history.

The two Aussie former world champions are both coming off back-to-back losses in world title fights, including a pair of shock knockout defeats.

Volkanovski was beaten in his late-notice world title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, before he was dethroned as the featherweight kingpin by Ilia Topuria in February 2024.

Tszyu vs. Spencer | SUN 6 APRIL 11AM AEDT | Tim Tszyu makes his highly anticipated return to the ring as he looks to push himself back into world title contention against

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Tszyu lost a bloody and brutal super-welterweight world title blockbuster to Sebastian Fundora, then was stopped by Bakhram Murtazaliev in October.

Tszyu is back in action on April 6 in Newcastle, while Volkanovski fights Deigo Lopes for the vacant featherweight title a week later in Miami.

A loss for either of them would derail a career.

A loss for both of them would signal a quantum shift in Aussie fight sports, and mark a changing of the guard.

Less than two years ago, Volkanovski and Tszyu were reigning and defending world champions in their respective sports, and amoung the best pound-for-pound fighters in the country.

Tszyu lost a bloody decision to Sebastian Fundora a year ago. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

At 36, Volkanovski has heard all the doubters writing him off.

But he doesn’t understand the similar reaction to Tszyu’s defeats.

“I understand people talking about me, and I’m going to change their opinion – I’m going to prove people wrong,” Volkanovski told this masthead after finishing another gruelling training camp session at his gym in Windang.

“But I didn’t think Tim would need to do the same.

“You all of a sudden think he’s just lost it? That guy (Murtazaliev) was no joke, Tim took challenging fights when he didn’t even need to. But he wanted to challenge himself.

“I can’t believe what people are saying.”

Volkanovski lost his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria in February 2024. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Tszyu returns against Joey Spencer on April 6, and Volkanovski is backing him to regain a super-welterweight world title eventually.

“He’s still young, I know he’s gonna come back,” he said. “I don’t think he needs to prove anything to anyone, I know he’ll be back.

“I know we’re both in the same situation where people are doubting us and thinking we’re done. I just think it’s unfair on him.

“Are you people completely forgetting what he’s done? He’s still in his prime.

“I just don’t see what people are talking about with him.”

As for his own return, Volkanovski has spent more than a year out of the Octagon following his defeat to Topuria.

Despite the time off, the Illawarra local is in the best shape of his career.

Volkanovski lost his late-notice lightweight title fight with Islam Makhachev. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

He hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol for more than two months, and has even refrained from having cheat meals in preparation for what is likely his last shot at a world title.

“I get why people think I’m not in my prime – I’m 36 – and I’m coming off two KOs,” he said. “I get why people are talking, and I need to change their opinions and I will.

“You’re gonna see two great comebacks.

“We’re going to surge again.”

Tszyu has banned his inner circle from talking about any future fights, but No Limit boss George Rose says a win on April 6 will put Tszyu right back into world title contention.

“This is the biggest fight of Tim’s career, no question,” Rose said. “This is about proving he still belongs at the very top.

“A statement win here rockets him back into the mix with the best in the world.

“There’s no shortage of big fights. All Tim needs to do is shake off 2024 with a great performance, and he’s right back in the thick of it.”

Originally published as Why early April could shape as the most pivotal week in Australian combat sport history