Tim Tszyu, the Australian boxer with a famous last name and a heavy punch, has his sights set on a huge prize: a potential showdown with boxing’s golden goose, Canelo Alvarez, in 2025. But before he can even think about cashing in on a mega-fight against the Mexican superstar, Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) must first overcome the undefeated IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev this Saturday, October 19th, in Orlando, Florida.
Despite coming off a tough split-decision loss to the towering Sebastian Fundora earlier this year, Tszyu remains undeterred, dreaming big of fighting Canelo. But is this ambition realistic, or is Tszyu simply chasing a payday as his career trajectory comes into question?
Can Tim Tszyu Rebuild After the Fundora Setback
Tszyu’s fight against Fundora back in March was a gut check. For 12 rounds, he absorbed relentless pressure from the 6’6” giant, ultimately losing a split decision. The defeat left many wondering if Tszyu had hit a ceiling in his career. The son of legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu, Tim has carried high expectations throughout his rise in the junior middleweight division, but the loss to Fundora exposed some serious vulnerabilities.
One of the most glaring issues was Tszyu’s inability to adjust against Fundora’s size and aggressive style. He took a lot of punishment, and while his toughness isn’t in question, his strategic approach left him vulnerable. Now, facing Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs), Tszyu is stepping into the ring with another dangerous opponent, one with knockout power in both hands and a relentless, combination-punching style.
Murtazaliev: A Tough Test for Tszyu
Many boxing insiders believe that Tszyu is in for a rough night against Murtazaliev. The 30-year-old Russian isn’t just undefeated’s also a hard-hitting technician who can break down opponents with smart pressure and accuracy. Unlike Fundora, who overwhelmed Tszyu with sheer size, Murtazaliev brings more refined boxing skills to the table, and he’s just as dangerous when it comes to power shots.
Tszyu’s aggressive, come-forward style makes for exciting fights, but it also leaves him wide open to counters. Against someone as dangerous as Murtazaliev, this could spell disaster. If Tszyu can’t tighten up his defence and show a more disciplined approach, a second consecutive loss could be on the horizon.
Is the Canelo Dream Just a Payday Grab
The buzz surrounding a potential Canelo-Tszyu fight in 2025 seems like a long shot at best, and at worst, a sign of desperation. Canelo Alvarez is the current unified super middleweight champion with three belts, and he’s known for taking on the biggest names in boxing. Tszyu, despite his pedigree, doesn’t have the star power or resume that would make him a natural fit for a pay-per-view showdown against Canelo.
One of the biggest challenges Tszyu faces is the perception that he’s not marketable enough for a Canelo fight. His loss to Fundora hurt his appeal in the U.S., where Canelo is a proven PPV star. And even if Tszyu does manage to get past Murtazaliev, there’s no guarantee that Canelo, who typically fights at 168 lbs, would consider a bout against a junior middleweight with relatively little star power.
Tszyu’s plan to jump the line and go straight for a super fight with Canelo also raises questions. Does he genuinely believe his fighting style is suited to take on one of boxing’s most complete champions, or is he simply looking for a fast-track payday before his window of opportunity closes? Given his recent struggles, it’s not unreasonable to think that Tszyu might be eyeing an exit strategy similar to what many believe Terence Crawford is considering as he nears the end of his career.
The Harsh Reality: Does Tszyu Have a Shot
Let’s face it: Canelo Alvarez has the pick of the litter when it comes to opponents. There are plenty of fighters vying for a piece of the action, many of whom offer more compelling matchups than Tszyu at this point. Tszyu would need to not only defeat Murtazaliev convincingly but also string together several high-profile victories to even get on Canelo’s radar. Without doing so, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where a Canelo vs. Tszyu fight is anything more than wishful thinking.
Murtazaliev is no easy task, and if Tszyu underestimates him, this fight could end with another painful defeat. A loss this Saturday would likely eliminate any hope of a Canelo showdown and could even force Tszyu to rethink his career trajectory altogether. Some believe that if Tszyu gets knocked out by Murtazaliev, his career will be “meteor dust” a harsh but perhaps realistic outcome given the stakes.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Tszyu
Saturday night’s fight against Bakhram Murtazaliev is more than just another title bout for Tim Tszyu. It’s a crossroads in his career. Win, and he might just keep his dream of fighting Canelo Alvarez alive, even if the path to that fight is still unclear. Lose, and the conversation will likely shift to whether Tszyu’s future lies in the ring or elsewhere.
For now, the dream of a big-money fight against Canelo remains distant. But first, Tszyu has to handle business against a very dangerous opponent in Murtazaliev. If he can pull off the upset, perhaps the boxing world will start taking his ambitions more seriously. But until then, Canelo Alvarez seems like a mountain too high to climb.