Tim Tszyu delivers devastating five-word statement after suffering shock defeat by Bakhram Murtazaliev
A stunned Tim Tszyu delivered a shock five-word statement following his shocking defeat against Bakhram Murtazaliev on Sunday.
The Australian boxing star had been the hot favourite to win the fight but was demolished by his Russian opponent inside three rounds.
The defeat left many questioning where this leaves Tszyu’s career, with the 29-year-old Australian suffering his second-ever defeat following on from his split decision loss against Sebastian Fundora in March.
Murtazaliev proved the stronger fighter of the pair knocking Tszyu down three times inside the second round, with the latter looking much slower in the ring.
While Tszyu showed his resilience and heart to get back up after each knockdown, Murtazaliev was too powerful for the Australian, utilising his brutal power to best the Sydneysider to retain his undefeated record and his IBF super welterweight title.
Tszyu’s team would throw in the towel after the Aussie star was knocked to the canvas again after his Russian opponent landed a brutal left hook on his opponent.
The 29-year-old gallantly rose to his feet but was again confronted by a barrage of punches by the Russian, with the referee subsequently stopping the fight.
Tszyu would also suffer a nasty cut to his scalp during the bout, which left blood pouring down his forehead and into his eyes.
After the defeat, a dejected Tszyu admitted he was shocked by what transpired in the ring.
A devastated Tim Tszyu delivered a five-word statement following his defeat in Florida on Sunday
The Australian (right) was bested in three rounds by Bakhram Murtazaliev during the fight
Tszyu was knocked to the canvas four times during the fight, with his team eventually throwing in the towel
‘What the f*** just happened?’ Tszyu, who was in disbelief, said.
‘What did I get hit with? Couldn’t regroup and… I don’t know man. S*** doesn’t go your way and you just have to bounce back you know.
‘I was positive after Fundora.
The result means Tszyu has now lost both of his last two fights with the Australian conceding that Murtazaliev was the better fighter on the night.
He added: ‘This didn’t go according to script. It was a little bit different. I felt unbelievable,e to be honest with you. I felt I had a great prep.
‘So he got me, man. He was the better man on the night and we live and we learn.’
The fight left others in shock, with Main Event commentator Ben Damon calling the result a ‘monstrous upset’
‘It has been an obliteration in Orlando,” Damon said.
‘Tim Tszyu down four times, and Bakhram Murtazaliev retaining his world title in a one-sided beatdown.’
Questions now revolve around who Tszyu could fight next after suffering two losses on the bounce, with Michael Zerafa now seemingly being his best option.
‘Every time I step into the ring, I’m willing to die in here,’ he added.
‘No excuses. Boxing is not meant to be perfect, but you live and you learn. After the first shot, things didn’t go according to plan.’