Tim Tszyu Plots 2025 Ring Return
Former WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu is plotting to box before the end of the year after making major changes to his team.
Following a challenging period that saw him lose three of his last four fights, the Australian has completely dismantled his previous setup. He has begun a new partnership with Cuban coach, Pedro Diaz, the man who previously trained world champions like Miguel Cotto. Tszyu has relocated to Miami, Florida, to work full-time with Diaz. The decision to change trainers was a direct response after a run of poor results. Tszyu’s decline began with a split decision loss to Fundora in March 2024, followed by a TKO defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev in October 2024, and then the rematch loss to Fundora in July. His last win was against Joey Spencer in April.
“Fingers crossed, we can secure something in the next couple weeks. Hopefully I’m able to fight by the end of the year, or if it’s [early] next year … “I’m with my new coach, man, so I’m eager to show what I’ve been putting in,” Tszyu said
Options
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A rematch against Brian Mendoza could be an option. Tszyu already holds a unanimous decision victory over Mendoza from October 2023, but failed to secure the knockout, proving Mendoza has a “granite chin.” Mendoza is a top-tier contender who is globally respected, meaning a win restores Tszyu’s credibility without the immediate pressure of a title eliminator. Tszyu can use this rematch to showcase his improved defense and footwork.
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The most high-risk option is Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs). Their bout was canceled previously due to a cut Tszyu sustained in the Fundora fight. A win over the dangerous Ortiz would instantly erase the memory of Tszyu’s recent poor form. However, Ortiz is a devastating puncher, who just produced a second-round knockout of Erickson Lubin. Given Tszyu’s history of being dropped, facing an elite power-puncher like Ortiz before fully integrating Diaz’s defensive tactics is a gamble.
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If Tszyu’s team prioritizes a domestic fight, a bout with Michael Zerafa (32-5, 22 KOs) is always available. A fight against Zerafa would be a guaranteed massive domestic pay-per-view event that would allow Tszyu to fight in Australia where he is a big name, helping him to rebuild his confidence while testing out his new corner against a known fighter.
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