Tim Tszyu – ‘The cut plays down Sebastian Fundora’s victory, he won the fight’

Tim Tszyu lost for the first time when in March, in Las Vegas against Sebastian Fundora, a significant cut in his scalp contributed to him recording a split-decision defeat.

On Saturday at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, the 29-year-old and Bakhram Murtazaliev contest the IBF junior-middleweight title on the occasion of the Russian’s first title defence.

In the build-up to his fight with Murtazaliev, 31, he spoke about his return from that first defeat, the wider picture of his career, and the presence of his celebrated father Kostya at one of his fights for the first time since 2016.

How has the cut healed?

Sweet, man. No problems. It’s just on top of the head, but it’s all nice and smooth now. I sort of needed that extra time, for the cut to heal, so I’m glad I didn’t just go in like a maniac.

How much have you replayed that night in your head?

None at all. None at all, in all honesty. 

Did you ever regret agreeing to the late-notice change of opponent? 

Not at all. Not at all. I lived my childhood dream, to be fighting in Vegas – in the gladiator’s stadium. Things didn’t go according to plan, but life doesn’t always go to plan.

Were you ever told how important to Premier Boxing Champions it was that you did?

Yeah. They said to me after that… Which means a lot, you know. It means a lot, man, to me, when people say that kind of stuff. That’s why I’ve stayed loyal – it’s quite simple.

They just said they were very appreciative of the way I handled things, and the way things went to plan. 

It’s been suggested that you should have been pulled out by your corner when that cut opened. Is that a conversation you’ve since had with them?

No, not really. I wouldn’t want my corner to – I’d be pretty dirty on them if they pulled me out, so that’s why I didn’t want to. It’s never been discussed, because I’ve never thought of it that way.

Does it do Fundora’s abilities an injustice when so much emphasis is placed on the cut?

Yeah, it sort of plays down his victory. At the end of the day – but we did go to a split decision; it was a close, close fight – but at the end of the day he won, and cut or no cut, would have, should have, could have, that’s all in the past. He got the victory, and he’s the champ.

How frustrating has it been to see him linked with big-money fights against Terence Crawford and Errol Spence?

Well, everything’s in the future for myself. It’s time to regroup and then get back to that same position that I was in before. I’m not really dwelling; I’m not really jealous. I’m not that type of guy; I’m just thinking about myself and how to get back to that position.

How far did talk of a rematch go?

I’m not even aware. I’m not even sure [there was any]. My team didn’t really tell me much. 

On reflection, how risky would it have been to have fought Vergil Ortiz Jnr so quickly afterwards? Did you watch, and what did you make of his performance?

It was more about the preparation, because with Ortiz – you’ve got to be 100 per cent ready for that fight. You can’t really have two weeks of sparring and then [fight someone of that calibre]. It was more about being professional and being 100 per cent ready – for everybody now, no matter who the opponent is.

I think he did well. I think it was a good fight, considering he had a very good opponent, in [Serhii] Bohachuk. He did well. He put the pressure up, and was landing big shots, and he stopped Bohachuk, but Bohachuk’s tough – he’s a tough competitor.

How satisfying was it to be rewarded by PBC with an immediate shot at a world title?

Yeah, it’s a great feeling to be back fighting for a world title. It doesn’t usually happen, but it shows the belief of the sanctioning bodies and the promoters [in me].

How good is Bakhram Murtazaliev?

We shall see. He just throws certain shots quite uncomfortably, so I think that presents a tremendous task. He’s awkward.

He’s got little holes to exploit – [with] certain punches. I think he’s open to getting hit. I can’t really comment yet [on whether or not he’s a tougher fight than Fundora], because I haven’t really seen him in a dog fight yet, you know? I don’t think he’s fought anyone yet. 

I think he did well, but he did get caught a few times, so it’s exploiting that. I really don’t know [how tough he is]. We shall see.

Your father’s based in Russia. How aware of him is he?

I’ve spoken to him about him, but my dad wasn’t too keen on [me] fighting a Russian first, just because it’s a Russian [and because of my dad’s background], but when he found out it’s for a world title, it doesn’t really matter who’s front of you; what nationality. You’re just trying to take him out. [That aside] I haven’t really spoken to my dad about Bakram. 

This fight represents a risk, given where a second successive defeat would leave you…

Yeah, it’s back to looking at factory jobs [laughs]. No, never [did I consider taking a tune-up]. 

I would have said, “Get fucked” [if anyone had suggested I take one]. “You’re fired.”

Your compatriots Jai Opetaia and Skye Nicolson defended world titles on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol…

Yeah, I watched Jai, but I didn’t watch Nicolson. Great [performance]. Dominated. Completely domination. 

The atmosphere – there wasn’t much there. It’s not Vegas.

Another Australian, Liam Paro, defends his junior-welterweight title on December 7…

We’re all boosting each other, you know? The say coming up together – it brings a good name to Australia, you know, and I think we’re doing good.

Look –[the attention on me from Australia] – that’s just the way it is. The main thing is connecting with your fans. Fortunately for myself I’ve got a history and a connection with a lot of the demographic, from older ages to even the younger ages now, so that’s what it is for me.

Paro had wanted to fight in Australia; Matchroom had spoken about featuring Nicolson, and potentially Opetaia and Justis Huni, on the undercard…

Yeah, it would have been great, you know? It would have been great. But then again, he’s keeping himself busy; he can go again next year, straight away.

Opetaia and Nicolson fighting in Saudi Arabia makes you appear even more determined to remain independent…

I think part of it is being able to create your own revenue, and not be dependent on others, and not have to bow down. Be loyal to who supported you from the start. 

Money, I guess. That’s the only reason [to be like that]. We’re in the sport for a short period of time, so whatever opportunity people are getting there, they’re jumping on it, and the opportunity that I got is currently here, with PBC and No Limit.

Does it ever feel like you’re taking a risk, given how Turki Alalshikh appeared to object to that independence?

No, not at all, man. I’ve got a good team behind me, and I’m happy with everything. I don’t need to depend on anyone else; thinking there’s going to be some god and saviour of boxing who’s going to come and fix everything, you know? 

Yeah. No, I just sort of laughed at it. It kind of felt like a young kid that didn’t get a lollipop. “Oh well.” You just ignore it. 

Why are you planning on relocating to the US?

To live and breathe the sport, and make the most of the opportunity [to spar and use the gyms in Vegas].

The thing is, the fan base is always there [in Australia]. We’re in a digital world where everything is being watched. We’ve got a good pay-per-view base, down in Australia, and I can always come back and make mega fights happen there.

Why is it this fight your dad’s going to be in attendance for?

I think he’s more than ready. He’s more excited. It came from him. I’ve never invited anyone. I’ve never given anyone the expectation I want them there – besides my coach. 

I think another world title – a big opportunity [is why he wanted to be here]. It could be [because I lost].

I went to Thailand recently with him, but my brother hasn’t seen him in 11 years. It’s unbelievable [him being here]. It’s a good feeling. 

It’s just a little soft feeling. But darkness will come again [pre-fight]. 

No, no pressure, man. No pressure at all.

We’ve had no tension at all.