Tim Tszyu, the Australian boxing prodigy, has set his sights on the stars, aiming for a lucrative showdown with the Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in 2025. As he prepares for a crucial fight against IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev this Saturday, Tszyu’s ambition shines through, undeterred by the recent setback he faced against Sebastian Fundora. With a professional record of 24 wins, including 17 knockouts, Tszyu’s confidence must quell any vestiges of disappointment from his last bout. Yet, one can’t help but wonder whether this level of aspiration is appropriate given his current circumstances.
A Cloudy Road Ahead
The reality is that Tszyu’s trajectory toward a fight with Canelo may be fraught with challenges. Despite Tszyu’s determination, it’s crucial to recognize the glaring gaps in his standing within the boxing landscape. A major concern is his appeal in the U.S. market, where fans are skeptical after witnessing his loss to Fundora. Tszyu’s standing is not just about skill but also about the commercial viability that sells pay-per-view (PPV) buys. Simply put, a fight against Canelo lacks the draw required, which could leave Tszyu dreaming rather than acting.
Moreover, if Tszyu begins to view his future fights primarily as financial opportunities, it may signal deeper insecurities regarding his long-term viability in boxing. One can argue that aiming for a financial windfall against a fighter like Canelo might suggest that Tszyu is seeking an escape route from the relentless grind of achieving a title successfully, similar to what Terence Crawford has expressed in recent times. His stance appears more like a desperate grasp for relevance rather than a strategic career move.
Before any grand aspirations can be materialized, Tszyu must first contend with the formidable Murtazaliev, who boasts an undefeated record of 22-0 and has shown explosive power as a combination puncher. This fight, slated to take place on October 19 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, is more than just a title contest—it is pivotal for Tszyu’s career. Observers are skeptical, predicting that Murtazaliev’s skill set may pose a significant threat to Tszyu, who is known for a fighting style that leaves him open to powerful counters. A potential knockout loss could set Tszyu back further and shatter the fleeting hopes of a future mega-fight with Canelo.
Whether Tszyu stands any chance of landing a fight against Canelo remains up for debate. Many pundits, including myself, are unconvinced that he can rise to the occasion, especially if his next outing results in defeat. The boxing world is littered with dreams deferred, and ambitions that remain unfulfilled. While Tszyu’s skill and determination are undeniable, his past performance against Fundora raises significant questions about his readiness for high-stakes bouts. Ultimately, the fight against Murtazaliev will serve as a litmus test, one that could either herald Tszyu as a challenger ready for bigger titles or seal his fate as a fleeting name in the sport. Only time will reveal which path he ultimately chooses.