Aussie boxing star Tim Tszyu returns to the ring on Wednesday night in Sydney facing undefeated American knockout artist Anthony Velazquez in a do-or-die blockbuster showdown.
Tszyu, coming off a nightmare 18-month stretch with three losses in four fights, is fighting for redemption and a chance to prove he’s still world-class.
Velazquez, hungry, skillful and fearless, sees this as the bout that will catapult him onto the world stage.
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.
Elsewhere on the stacked card, former featherweight title challenger Sam Goodman returns against Tyler Blizzard, while two other Australian titles are up for grabs.
WHEN IS IT?
Wednesday, December 17.
Coverage starts at 7pm (AEDT). Tim Tszyu is likely to make his ring walk for his fight with Anthony Velazquez closer to 10pm with the fight expected to begin by 10:30pm.
WHERE IS IT?
The fight is being held at the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
HOW TO WATCH?
You can order the full fight card NOW with Main Event and Kayo Sports.
BETTING ODDS
Tszyu is the overwhelming favourite to win, priced around $1.09 on the moneyline via Sportsbet. Velazquez is a big underdog, with odds near $8.50.
WHAT’S BEEN SAID?
Velazquez’s coach Hector Bermudez said that Tszyu is now a shot fighter and is set to be knocked out or will retire on his stool.
“Tim is not the same fighter that he was,” the trainer said.
“The human body taking that punishment, being knocked out, deciding that he’d had enough, quitting, that’s not going to be the same fighter.
“Tim Tszyu is ready to retire … and we’re gunna help him out.”
Tszyu fired back calling the American coach a “hyena” who only bites when someone is down.
“I’m going to let my hands do the talking,” said Tszyu.
“Because I’m confident in my ability, in what I possess .. and he’ll feel it.”
WHAT’S NEW WITH TSZYU?
Back in September, Tszyu made headlines by announcing that he was ditching longtime coach Igor Goloubev and manager Glen Jennings.
Tszyu took himself Stateside to find a new coach, and eventually landed with famed Cuban coach Pedro Diaz – whose more than 20 world champions include the likes of Miguel Cotto, Filip Hrgović and Guillermo Rigondeaux.
“In only a short space of time, he’s become like a father figure for me,” said Tszyu.
“And that means while there may be times where you might want to step in and question things, or try to make them more to how I might want it, everything is his call.
“Because I know he’s willing to go to war alongside me.
“And Pedro and his team, man, they’ve been together for such a long time and are so professional.”
The Aussie has also ditched his old fight name “The Soul Taker” and is embracing “The Phoenix” as a symbol of his rebirth.
Tszyu also unveiled a new manager in Darcy Ellis and a new matchmaker in Mike Altamura.
WHAT ABOUT ON THE UNDERCARD?
Featherweight star Sam Goodman returns to the ring for the first time since his thrilling world title clash earlier this year, squaring off with Tyler Blizzard — a familiar foe who beat him during their amateur days.
Goodman has since described his opponent as a “negative fighter” and says he’s not on his level.
Elsewhere, Rising Australian prospect Callum Peters will go head-to-head with talented rival Cody Beekin for the Australian middleweight title in what promises to be a fight to watch.
Peters has been tipped for very big things, but Beekin is expected to push him every step of the way.
Popular Olympic boxer Paulo Aokuso will also be fighting on the card against Shukhrat Abdullaev in a light heavyweight contest.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Tszyu
Age: 31
Height: 174cm
Reach: 179cm
Record: 25-3
Stance: Orthodox
Velazquez
Age: 29
Height: 178cm
Reach: 178cm
Record: 18-0-1
Stance: Orthodox
“Going to quit again”: Coach blasts Tim | 05:02
Full card: Tim Tszyu vs. Anthony Velazquez
Tim Tszyu vs. Anthony Velazquez; Middleweights
Sam Goodman vs. Tyler Blizzard; Super Bantamweights
Callum Peters vs. Cody Beekin; Middleweights
Ahmad Reda vs. Jomar Paliwen; Lightweights
Charlie Kazzi vs. Blair Geraghty; Lightweights
Paulo Aokuso vs. Shukhrat Abdullaev: Light Heavyweights
Koen Mazoudier vs. Dominic Molinaro; Super Welterweights
Dharringarra Trewhella vs. Kya Sparks: Welterweights
Blake Wells vs. Quinton Smith; Middleweights
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