Aussie legend’s huge concern for Tszyu… as big 2026 plans revealed — Talking Points

START TIME: When will Tszyu actually hit the ring?

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JEFF WHO? Tszyu’s new coach hits back at critics, makes stunning Fenech claim

‘In the ring, there’s only one language… punches’: Tszyu coach responds to English taunts

Can Anthony Velazquez knock Tszyu out?

Undeniably, this is the plan. With even a quick look at the American’s tape showing a fighter who always looks to land big. And has. For proof, consider that all but three of his 18 wins have come via finish. Importantly too, Velazquez’s coach also appears to recognize an early finish is his fighters best – and likely only – chance of victory. “The boy is here to fight, here to win, here to knock this dude out,” Hector Bermudez said this week. “We ain’t gunna get a decision. We’re looking for the knockout”.

Elsewhere, Bermudez also said Tszyu is now susceptible to being finished and warns his new management team have picked the wrong opponent for their man’s comeback, stressing “you don’t pick a puncher”. However it’s also important to know Velazquez’s power could also prove his downfall, with the fighter often rushing in exchanges, and also getting caught off balance while trying to throw big. Indeed, while Tszyu has also boasted sound footwork, his rival’s feet at times appear to be everywhere. There also isn’t a fighter anywhere on Velazquez’s record the equal of Tszyu.

Can Pedro Diaz fix Tszyu’s defensive deficiencies?

Undeniably, Tszyu will be looking to show improvements against Velazquez when it comes to footwork, angles, head movement, temperament, even his approach to an opening round where he has previously been dropped three times. Traditionally, Tszyu has been aggressive early, going forward and looking to engage in firefights. But what chance this new version of Tszyu fights with patience, proving evasive with footwork and angles while also using Velasquez’s momentum against him?

Astute boxing judges will point to the changes Diaz made with Miguel Cotto, who had some of his biggest ever fights after switching to the Cuban maestro. Privately, it’s understood the coach feels Tszyu is actually transforming quicker under his tutelage than even Cotto did, just as the man who trains out of Miami, Florida has told those close to him that Tszyu will become his 23rd champion.

Importantly too, there is no doubting Velazquez will be looking to take Tszyu out early. Already in his career, the Sydneysider has been dropped three times in the first round – against Wade Ryan, Terrell Gausha and Sebastian Fundora – while Bakhram Murtazaliev also downed the Sydneysider as many times in the second round of their 2024 showcase. As a result, it can almost be guaranteed the unbeaten US puncher will try to goad Tszyu into a slugfest early. Especially if he thinks Tszyu may be suffering from the type of nerves that come with knowing your career on the line. Or if under pressure, he believes Tszyu will revert to old tactics. It will be interesting to see what changes have been made under Diaz.

Should Jeff Fenech be in Tszyu’s corner?

Apart from being one of Australia’s greatest ever boxers, Fenech also exists among the sport’s most respected voices. Which is why this week’s shock boycott reveal, and criticism of Diaz, has become a huge story. While stressing he has no designs on becoming Tszyu’s head coach, Fenech warns the fighter he has known since birth is still displaying some of the fundamental flaws that’s seen him lose three straight world title fights. This more than anything else, is what troubles him.

When it comes to the panning of Diaz’s padwork meanwhile, Fenech is largely referring to how the Cuban brings his hands to the fighter’s glove. A move that not only makes big noise, or elevates confidence but has been used by plenty of teams with varying degrees of success. Old school fighters and trainers however, aren’t fans.

Tszyu vs Velazquez | Wednesday 17 Dec from 7pm AEDT | Tim Tszyu looks for redemption as “The Phoenix” takes on undefeated American Velazquez in an attempt to reignite his career. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

“Because your opponent won’t ever headbutt the glove,” Fenech deadpanned this week. Same as the four-division champ stressed padwork sessions should be like everything else in training – and resemble a fight. Which to be fair, is also the mantra of men like Johnny Lewis and the late, great Emanuel Steward.

But Fenech’s biggest concern is that Tszyu still making the same stylistic errors in training that he noticed under previous coach Igor Goloubev. Despite being announced as an integral part of Team Tszyu in September, the Marrickville Mauler revealed to Fox Sports Australia this week that he won’t be attending the fight. However it’s understood the two groups will be meeting up afterwards, although Fenech’s involvement moving forward is unknown.

How does any potential rise of the Phoenix look?

If Tim Tszyu beats Velazquez in convincing fashion – which is certainly possible – there’s already talk of him fighting again as soon as next February. Yes, February. And potentially in a rematch against outspoken American Tony Harrison. Which undeniably would be some turnaround, even for a fella who fights with all the regularity of Tszyu. “But I’m just trying to achieve my dream, man,” the fighter told us this week. “And if you want growth, if you want progression, then you have to do things outside your comfort zone.”

If Tszyu then goes and secures consecutive wins quickly, there is no doubting, at 31, he can still make a second run for gold – especially given his surname expediates the type of fights that others would take much longer to earn. Indeed, by the second half of 2026 Tszyu could be catapulted straight back into a big fight Stateside, albeit as the B Side to a massive name. Tszyu’s new manager Darcy Ellis also confirmed his client could go again quickly with a win over Velazquez, and “as soon as the first quarter of next year”.

What chance a move to middleweight?

With this fight being held at a catchweight of 71.2kg, it’s timely to ask not only how Tszyu would look up at middleweight, but if the time to move is now. For a start, there is no doubting opportunity exists for the Australian to chase gold at middleweight, especially given the drama surrounding IBF and WBO champ Janibek Alimkhanuly, who popped hot only recently.

Of course, given the manner in which Tszyu has lost his recent title attempts a division lighter, any move would also come with its own questions about how he handles the bigger men. But apart from there seemingly being a whole range of big winnable fights at middleweight, it would undeniably also help with the fighter’s longevity.

Already Tszyu has had issues making the usual super welterweight limit of 69.9kg. Apart from suffering a torturous cut prior to his April win over Joey Spencer, Tszyu also endured such drama during his cut against IBF champ Bakhram Murtazaliev – which also involved a rehydration clause – that he has vowed never to try it again. A move up not only removes that from his life, but opens the Australian up to a new field of options.

Which fighter owns the undercard?

Keep a close eye on rising Australian star Callum Peters, who is undoubtedly set for the biggest test of his professional career — and by some margin — when challenging Cody Beekin for the Australian middleweight title. So far in four fights, Peters has never gone beyond the first round. Yet you’d have to think that changes tonight. Importantly though, the 23-year-old’s pressuring style is also one that has proved tough in the past for Beekin, although expect the Central Coast fighter to prove a much tougher challenge than his long odds.

Elsewhere, Sam Goodman is looking to bounce back in his first appearance since losing to WBA featherweight champ Nick Ball. Better, it’s in a domestic grudge match against former amateur rival Tyler Blizzard, who is himself undefeated in 10 fights. Special mention also to unbeaten Aussie welterweight Marco Romeo, who is looking to punch his way into a contract with Dana White’s new Zuffa Boxing promotion against Jason Fawcett.