Tim Tszyu wants to get back to the top and is challenging Bakhram Murtazaliev for his IBF title. The fight on October 19 will be broadcast live on Prime Video as the first non-pay-per-view event.
The eagerly awaited world championship fight between Bakhram Murtazaliev and Tim Tszyu has been finalized. The two boxers will meet on October 19 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The fight will be broadcast live as part of a new agreement between PBC and Prime Video as the first stand-alone non-pay-per-view event. At stake is the IBF light heavyweight title.
Murtazaliev wants to defend his title
Unbeaten in 22 fights, Bakhram Murtazaliev (16 knockouts) defends his IBF light middleweight title for the first time. The Russian secured the belt in April with a spectacular victory over Jack Culcay in Germany. Murtazaliev, who is known for his punching power and fighting spirit, is confident that he can continue his winning streak. “I’m very excited to defend my world title against such a strong opponent as Tim Tszyu on Prime Video,” said Murtazaliev. “I want Tim to be at his best so that we can give the fans a great fight.”
Tszyu on the way back to the top
Australian Tim Tszyu, son of legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu, has an impressive record of 24 wins, 17 of them by knockout. After losing his WBO title in March in a narrow points defeat to Sebastian Fundora, the number 2 in the BOXSPORT world rankings in the middleweight division is now looking to become world champion again. “At this level you have to get everyone out of the way and Bakhram is the next one standing in my way,” Tszyu explained with determination. “Bakhram has what I want and I intend to take it from him in spectacular fashion. It’s time to become world champion again.”
A battle at the highest level
The fight between Murtazaliev and Tszyu promises to be a high-class duel. Both fighters are known for their offensive punching power and irrepressible will. Experts agree that this fight will not only be technically demanding, but also extremely exciting. The winner of this duel could go on to other big fights. Tszyu already has plans to take on other top fighters in his weight class in the future. Names such as Errol Spence Jr, Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr are on his wish list. A win against Murtazaliev could put Tszyu back in the center of the scene in the semi-middleweight division. Murtazaliev, for his part, could also position himself for bigger fights in the future with a successful title defense.
The fight on October 19 will therefore not only decide the IBF title, but also the future direction of the careers of both boxers.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger