Tszyu plans to fight in Australia in December in case he beats Murtazaliev for IBF title
Australia’s star Tim Tszyu (24-1) is planning a homecoming fight in December in case he defeats Bakhram Murtazaliev (22-0) of Russia on October 19 in Orlando in the fight for IBF World super-welterweight title, according to “News Corp”.
For Murtazaliev will be the first title defense. He won the title in April this year stopping Jack Culcay in round 11 in Germany.
“It is important to remain connected with the Aussie fans because they are the ones who put me into this position,” said Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) in a virtual press conference.
“When I go into a fight, I feel I have a whole country behind me, so it’s a good feeling.
“Of course I would love to fight back in Australia for the fans, it means a lot. We’re a small little island, we’re deserted from the rest of the world. Even to LA, it’s a 15-hour flight.
“But we have some talent out there (in Australia). A lot of fighters. We have this stigma that Aussies are tough bastards who just fight, but we like to have a crack and we know what we are doing.
“It’s nice to be on top of that with the other Aussie combat athletes.”
Tszyu has vowed to get the world title. He said Murtazaliev is a tough but says nothing is easy on road to the top.
Tszyu last fought in end of March loosing via split decision from Sebastian Fundora in the fight for WBC and WBO World titles. Tszyu got a bad cut in had in that fight.
“Forfeiting is not my blood,” said Tszyu. “I would rather die in the ring, that’s the mentality I’ve got. Losing the belt, it feels like you have to get back to the drawing board.
“There’s no fear in me. Whoever they call the ‘bad guy’ in this division, give him to me, feed him to me.