Tszyu Promises To Expose Murtazaliev In IBF Title Clash – ‘I’m Levels Above’

Tim Tszyu has vowed to show IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev that he is overhyped.
Tszyu faces him this weekend for the chance to become a two-time world champion. He is coming off a loss against Sebastian Fundora, losing a split decision, as the latter became the WBO and WBC Junior Middleweight Champion. It was a controversial fight after Tszyu suffered a cut over his hairline after dominating the earlier parts of the fight.
Rather than stopping the fight after suffering excessive bleeding, Tszyu decided to continue. The decision cost him, as he admitted to having compromised vision for the rest of the fight. Since it was the first loss of his career, perhaps Tszyu should have done things differently. However, he has another chance of a world title. He has promised to show there is a difference in levels.
Tszyu On Murtazaliev
“He keeps saying that, Bakhram, he’s much avoided. That’s nonsense. “I’ve been chasing him for a long time, so that’s nonsense. I’m here to take the biggest challenges, the hardest fights, the biggest fights and create a legacy and make a tonne of money. That’s what I’m here for. Him [Murtazaliev] on the other side, he’s step-aside money this and that and whatever man. We’re in two different worlds. [It’s a] tough challenge I guess. But I’m just here to show that I’m levels above, it’s quite simple,” Tszyu said
However, Murtazaliev is no pushover. He is undefeated with a 22-0 record. 16 of those wins have come by way of knockout. He won the vacant title after knocking out Jack Culcay in his last fight. That was his third stoppage in his last five fights. However, Tszyu will be his toughest test. Tim has a better resume, having faced big names such as Tony Harrison, Brian Mendoza and Fundora.
Murtazaliev Responds
There is a lot of expectation of Tszyu, given what is on offer. A win sets up a possible rematch with Fundora, who is expected to face Errol Spence Jr. next. The winner could then unify against Tszyu in a mega clash in the US or Australia. But Murtazaliev has said he will not be overwhelmed by the occasion. He has the chance to give Tszyu only the second defeat of his career and earn a lucrative rematch at the very least. He was confident about his chances.
“You can talk a lot before the fight. But doing it is completely different story. I’ve listened to that since the start of my career. [It’s] not new. They keep saying that, a couple have started respecting, but then you get another one and again, hype blah blah blah, more and more… It is what it is, I guess,” Murtazaliev added
Full Card
Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu for IBF super-welterweight title
Cesar Mateo Tapia vs. Endry Saavedra; Middleweight
Yoenis Tellez vs. Johan Gonzalez; Super-welterweight
Dainier Pero vs. Willie Jake Jr; Heavyweight
Justin Viloria vs. Diuhl Olguin; Super-featherweight
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