A classy Tim Tszyu conceded “the better man won tonight” after suffering a shock third-round TKO loss to IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in Orlando on Sunday.
Tszyu was no match for the undefeated Russian, who knocked him down three times in the second round alone before going on to finish the job in the third, leaving the Australian’s corner with no choice but to throw the towel in.
It left Tszyu’s career at crossroads and while it was obviously a lot to process when speaking in the ring after the defeat, the 29-year-old was all class with his response to the loss.
MORE: Russian champ’s savage troll of ‘warrior’ Tszyu after win
Tszyu knocked down 3 times in one round | 02:07
“Every time I step into the ring, I’m willing to die here, this is the reason why I do it,” Tszyu said.
“Things didn’t go to plan. The better man won tonight. No excuses right there.
“He was just that bit better, and yeah, no excuses. I tried my best, but these things happen.
“Boxing is not meant to be perfect. You live and you learn, right?”
Murtazaliev’s quick jabs and power were evident from the opening bell and Tszyu just never recovered, adding that after the first knockdown “things didn’t go according to plan”.
“That’s part of boxing. You get hit, your reaction’s a bit slower. Things just don’t go according to plan,” Tszyu said.
“But the victory belongs to Bakhram tonight.”
Discussion about this post