Australian boxing star and former world champion Tim Tszyu is officially returning to the ring next month as he bids to resurrect his career and title dreams.
The 30-year-old will make his long-awaited comeback on December 17, headlining a blockbuster card against unbeaten American Anthony Velazquez at the ICC Sydney Theatre.
The stacked card is also set to feature fellow Australian stars Sam Goodman and Callum Peters.
Velazquez, 29, enters the fight with a slick counter-punching style and an undefeated record of 19-0-1 (15 KOs). The Massachusetts native is expected to provide a serious test.
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18-0 prospect out to end Tim’s comeback | 02:13
Tszyu’s return comes after a turbulent 18 months in which he suffered three world-title losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev. Now, the Australian star is determined to rebuild his momentum.
“The support has been great. I think a lot of Aussies can relate to setbacks and understand the feelings involved with that,” Tszyu said in a video interview from Miami as the bout was officially announced on Wednesday.
“And I think I’m a bit more relatable now you know? I’ve gone through adversity and for me now it’s about getting back to the very top because I’ve always had that drive in me.”
No Limit CEO George Rose said stepping in to the ring with the unbeaten Velazquez was a dangerous and risky assignment for Tszyu, but the fighter said he’s still willing to take on any challenge put in front of him.
Tszyu is currently training in Miami with famed Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, a veteran of more than 40 years who has helped shape numerous world champions. Tszyu believes the partnership has been a revelation and said he wanted to prove it in the ring.
“I’m going to have to show it (what impact the changes have made),” Tszyu said.
Tim Tszyu ‘Rejuvenated & Refreshed’ | 01:35
“I’m going to punch, punch and I’m going to keep punching until he’s out. That’s my plan.”
Tszyu and Velazquez came face-to-face for the first time via Wednesday’s video hook-up and the 29-year American oozed quiet confidence, despite proving a man of few words.
“This is my biggest opportunity so far and I’m looking to take advantage of it,” Velazquez said.
“I’ve seen a couple of his (Tszyu’s) fights. He’s had a great career so far … but I’m coming to Australia to win.
“I believe in myself and my skills… and I really believe I’m going to win this fight.
“… I can win in multiple ways, I’m just going to fight my fight and however it plays out, it’s just win.”
Tim Tszyu begins redemption journey | 05:03
As part of his fresh start, Tszyu recently told Fox Sports Australia he is dropping the ‘Soul Taker’ nickname.
For his comeback, he’ll fight under a new moniker: ‘Phoenix’, symbolising his climb back toward a second world title.
Fighting just a week before Christmas, Tszyu will be aiming to deliver an early gift to all Australian fight fans.
The December card will feature Goodman’s fight bout since a gallant effort in his featherweight title bout with champion Nick Ball in the UK.
He’ll take on exciting Aussie rival Tyler Blizzard while Peters will face Cody Beekin. The undercard also features Ahmad Reda, Paulo Aokuso and Koen Mazoudier.
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