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Tszyu’s redemption bout as Aussie superstar takes on 22-0 beast in title tilt: Ultimate Guide

Tszyu’s redemption bout as Aussie superstar takes on 22-0 beast in title tilt: Ultimate Guide

It’s been seven months since Tim Tszyu’s dramatic and bloody world title loss against Sebastian Fundora, and now the Australian boxing superstar has a golden shot at redemption when he takes on the dangerous Bakhram Murtazaliev.

The Russian is undefeated, and his reign has stretched 10 years and 22 straight bouts — spending four years as the No.1 mandatory for the IBF title before claiming it with victory against Jack Culcay in April.

Tszyu’s loss to Fundora — despite featuring a nasty accidental head cut that made things hard for the Australian — had threatened to cruel his short term world title hopes but he’s been thrust straight back into a fight for one of the division’s belts.

BOXING: TSZYU V MURTAZALIEV | Tim Tszyu faces off against undefeated IBF super welterweight champ Bakhram Murtazaliev | SUN 20 OCT 10:30AM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

Tszyu has taken his training to a new level, spending two months at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, with trainers labelling him a “beast”.

He also took a major jab at his opponent on Tuesday, slamming his claims that other fighters had been avoiding stepping into the ring with him.

Murtazaliev was asked why it’d taken him such an extended period to get a shot at the world title, to which he responded: “I do think they might have been scared of me”.

Tszyu wasn’t buying it, telling Fox Sports: “That’s bulls***… I was actually supposed to fight Murtazaliev way back before Tony Harrison.

“But then he came up with some excuse, saying he was injured… I’ve never mentioned any of that. But now, with him saying he’s avoided? There’s no such thing.”

Tszyu also revealed his opponent has consistently moved their fight “back, back back” explaining the fight was meant to take place in September.

Should he defeat Murtazaliev, there’s potential Tszyu could be talked up for potential fights against the likes of Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr.

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HOW TO WATCH

Fight fans in Australia can catch all the action from Tszyu v Murtazaliev on Fox Sports, Kayo and Main Event.

WHAT TIME DOES IT START?

Tszyu vs Murtazaliev will take place at Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, Florida on Sunday, 20th October, with the card to begin at 10:30am AEDT. Expect the main fight to happen early afternoon on Sunday.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE?

The IBF World Super Welterweight title, and a path to some huge fights for the victor.

BETTING ODDS

Tszyu is the overwhelming favourite against Murtazaliev in their fight.

As per TAB on Tuesday, Tszyu is the $1.16 favourite while Murtazaliev is the $5 outsider.

A Tszyu KO/TKO is paying just $1.80, while a Tszyu win on points sits at $3.

A Murtazaliev KO/TKO is paying $11, while a Murtazaliev win on points sits at $7.50.

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TALE OF THE TAPE

Tszyu

Record: 24-1 (17KO)

Age: 29

Height: 174cm

Reach: 179cm

Murtazaliev

Record: 22-0 (16KO)

Age: 31

Height: 183cm

Reach: N/A

FULL FIGHT CARD

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Tim Tszyu – IBF World Super Welterweight title

Yoenis Tellez vs Johan Gonzalez – Super Welterweight

Cesar Mateo Tapia vs Endry Saavedra – Middleweight