When Tim Tszyu challenges unbeaten Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super-welterweight title in Florida next month, he will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his renowned father by becoming a multiple world champion.
Australia’s son of a gun will take on Murtazaliev at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on October 19 (October 20 AEST) following weeks of discussions, according to Team Tszyu.
Since Tszyu was the top-ranked IBF contender and a former WBO world champion, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) had first formally ordered Murtazaliev to defend his world title against the Sydneysider.
However, following a string of planned blockbusters that fell through, primarily because of his opponents’ no-shows, Tszyu became worried that Murtazaliev might be the next to desert him.
The 29-year-old’s promoter stated that Tszyu’s impending meeting with destiny was exactly what he deserved, given that he had only given up his WBO title in March following an unjust defeat to American Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas.
Tszyu was undefeated and had won the first two rounds, but he finally lost a split decision and sustained a horrific gash to the skull after catching Fundora’s elbow.
Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) would become the first Australian father-son boxer to win multiple world title belts if he defeats Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs), who was once the father of unified world champion Kostya.
By: Mustapha Hadji Dean – Ahotor Sports Desk
