Tim Tszyu on the road to redemption with IBF title fight

In the sweet science of boxing, the road to redemption is often long, winding, and paved with challenges. And for Tim Tszyu, it’s no different. After a surprising defeat in March, where he lost his WBO junior middleweight title in a tough battle against the towering Sebastian Fundora, Tszyu now finds himself at a crossroads. His next step? A showdown with the lesser-known but still formidable Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF junior middleweight title on October 19th in Florida.

This bout marks Tszyu’s first return to the ring since that stinging loss to Fundora, a fight that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Tszyu came out strong, landing power shots in the early rounds, but an unfortunate cut in the second round turned the tide. As Tszyu’s blood flowed, so did his chances of victory, and Fundora took advantage, earning a split decision win. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Australian, but in boxing, as in life, there’s always a chance for a comeback.

And a comeback is exactly what Tszyu is aiming for, with a carefully mapped-out three-fight plan that he hopes will lead him back to the top of the 154-pound division. The first step? Taking on Murtazaliev, an undefeated Russian who, while not a household name, holds the IBF title that Tszyu desperately needs. With a record of 22-0 and 16 knockouts, Murtazaliev is no pushover, but he doesn’t carry the same notoriety as some of the other champions in the division. Yet, it’s this very title that could be Tszyu’s ticket back to the big time.

Alan Dawson recently reported on Tszyu’s ambitious plan, which doesn’t just stop with Murtazaliev. Tszyu has his sights set on Erickson Lubin next, followed by a rematch with Fundora in what would be a high-stakes grudge match. “This three-fight plan is about reclaiming my place,” Tszyu might say if you asked him about it. He knows that the path back to the top is never easy, but it’s clear he’s not shying away from the challenge.

However, there’s a twist in the tale. The division’s landscape is fluid, with rumors swirling that Terence Crawford might step in to face Fundora before Tszyu gets his chance. If that happens, Tszyu’s carefully laid plans could be thrown off course, delaying his shot at redemption. For now, though, Tszyu remains focused on what’s in front of him, knowing that each fight is a step closer to his ultimate goal.

Interestingly, some might question whether Tszyu really needs to fight Lubin. With a 26-2 record, Lubin is certainly a tough competitor, but he doesn’t hold a title. Giving Lubin a shot might be seen as doing him a favor rather than advancing Tszyu’s career. Yet, Tszyu’s team sees it differently. They view the fight as a necessary stepping stone, a chance to prove that Tszyu is ready for the best the division has to offer.

In the end, it all comes down to the IBF title. This belt could be Tszyu’s golden ticket, a bargaining chip to lure bigger names like Fundora, Errol Spence, or even Terence Crawford into the ring. But first, he has to get through Murtazaliev, and that’s no small task. As fight night approaches, Tszyu is undoubtedly preparing to leave it all in the ring. After all, in boxing, redemption doesn’t come easy, but when it does, it’s all the sweeter.