Tim Tszyu’s plan to become a two-time world champion has been made official, with the Sydney fighter set to fight for the IBF world title bout against Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Tszyu, who’s been training in Las Vegas in recent weeks, will take on the Russian on October 20 (AEST) at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The fight will also be broadcast through Amazon Prime in the US.
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Russian-born Murtazaliev, who trains out of the US, is an unbeaten 22-0 as a professional with 16 knockouts.
Tim Tszyu fighting for his second world title. Getty
It will be Tszyu’s first fight since his loss to Sebastian Fundora earlier this year, after his bout with Vergil Ortiz was called off in August. He was earmarked to fight Erickson Lubin but that fight also fell through.
“At this level, you have to take everyone out and Bakhram is the next guy standing in my way,” said Tszyu.
“The world knows me and they know what I’m about. I’m thankful to my team for putting me in this position to prove why I’m still the man at 154 pounds.
“Bakhram has what I want and I plan on taking it from him in spectacular fashion. It’s time to become a two-time world champion.”
Murtazaliev claimed the IBF world title in an 11th round knockout win over Jack Culcay a week after after Tszyu’s loss to Fundora.
“I’m extremely happy and excited to defend my world title on Prime Video against a strong opponent like Tim Tszyu,” said Murtazaliev.
“I just want Tim to be in the best shape possible and not get any injuries so we can give this fight to the fans.”
Murtazaliev after his win over Culcay. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
No Limit CEO George Rose said: “There are very few fighters in the world that can endure what Tim went through in his last fight and come out bigger, better and stronger than before.
“Tim Tszyu is that guy. He lives to fight and has a warrior spirit that is completely unbreakable. You won’t want to miss this.
“He is about to remind everyone why he is the best 154 pounder in the world on October (20 AEST).”