Tszyu moves to US, Las Vegas full-time #adessonews

Tim Tszyu has called “bulls***” on Bakhram Murtazaliev’s claims that he has been avoided by rivals who were scared – while also revealing he will move full-time to Las Vegas after taking the undefeated Russian’s IBF title this Sunday.

On the eve of his second straight world title headliner, Tszyu also hit back at Murtazaliev’s claims the Australian is talking too much with media, saying: “Well, somebody has to carry this fight … and clearly he’s not promotable”.

Seven months on from his bloody world title loss against Sebastian Fundora, 29-year-old Tszyu is looking to earn immediate redemption – and a host of massive fight options – when he squares off against the IBF king.

TSZYU V MURTAZALIEV | Tim Tszyu faces off against undefeated IBF super welterweight champ Bakhram Murtazaliev | SUN 20 OCT 10:30AM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

Currently, Murtazaliev is on an undefeated tear stretching 10 years and 22 straight fights.

The Russian, who spent four years as No.1 mandatory, also hinted this week that several big name rivals were deliberately avoiding of him, due to being “scared”.

When asked in an interview with Australia’s Main Event why it had taken so long to be given a world title shot – which eventually saw him beat Germany’s Jack Culcay in April – the champ initially suggested it was God’s will.

Then, after a slight pause he added: “I do think they might have been scared of me”.

Yet speaking with Fox Sports Australia from inside his Florida hotel on Monday morning, Tszyu laughed off suggestions Murtazaliev was being avoided as “bulls***”.

In fact, the Sydneysider revealed his team had been negotiating for a fight since way back in 2023 – before eventually challenging, and beating, America’s Tony Harrison for the interim WBO title instead.

Tszyu added that this weekend’s fight was also initially due to take place in September, but Murtazaliev’s camp have continually pushed things “back, back, back”.

Australia’s boxing poster boy also revealed that after winning the IBF title, he will move full-time to the States — and has already been scouting properties in Las Vegas.

“Looking at houses and cars,” Tszyu cackled.

“Because my future, it’s in America.

“I’ve got seven, maybe eight years in this sport and I really want to make the most of it.

“I’m ready to knuckle down, chase my dreams .

“And I’m willing to sacrifice life at home in Australia to make it happen.”

Yet before he shifts full-time to the world’s fight capital, Tszyu must first square off with an undefeated Russian who boasts a KO ratio above 70 per cent.

Elsewhere, Murtazaliev has been also been branded one of the sport’s most avoided fighters.

However, when told of Murtazaliev’s claims that fighters were “scared” – and likely avoiding him – Tszyu revealed he has been in negotiations with the Russian’s team for over a year.

“So being avoided? That’s bulls***,” Tszyu said.

“I was actually supposed to fight Murtazaliev way back before Tony Harrison.

“But then he came up with some excuse, saying he was injured.

“I remember it all well because we were already preparing for him then – boom – change of opponent.

“Still, we handled things professionally.

“Said ‘no worries’, then Tony Harrison was brought in.

“And I’ve never mentioned any of that.

“But now, with him saying he’s avoided?

“There’s no such thing.

“In fact, even with this latest fight (date) it’s been them that has kept pushing it back, back, back.

“We were initially meant to fight last month, September 15.

“So avoided?

“Man, that’s bulls***.”

Tszyu also hit back at the champ’s repeated accusations of him doing “a lot of talking” in the media lately.

“I don’t know what he’s on about,” the Aussie started.

“But what I will say is that somebody has to carry this promotion”.

So you’re doing all the heavy lifting then?

“Well, I can’t see him fighting on any big platform without one of the big names (in the opposite corner),” Tszyu continued.

“And I now understand why no promoters want to work with him.

“Clearly he’s not very promotable.”

Tszyu also revealed that after winning the IBF title, he then plans to move full-time to Las Vegas – where he will train out of both the Split T boxing gym and UFC Performance Institute.

The move represents a huge shift for the fighter who, with the IBF title, will be immediately talked up for potential fights against the likes of Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jnr, even a Fundora rematch.

Tszyu has also declared he wants to fight again in Australia this December should he come out of Sunday’s fight unscathed – before then shifting to the States full-time in January.

So as for what house prices are like in Sin City?

“Cheaper than Sydney,” he laughed.

“It’s unaffordable back home.

“And this year, I’ve hardly been there.

“So from January I’m looking to move.

“I’m happy working out of Split T, they’re like family now, we have our own little area there and can bring in sparring partners from all over the country.

“And the UFC PI, it has everything.

“Great sports science and you’re also surrounded by other great fighters.”