In a performance that lived up to his newly adopted nickname, Australian boxer Tim Tszyu has reignited his international standing with a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over American Anthony Velazquez. The fight, held at Sydney's TikTok Entertainment Centre, marked a crucial comeback for Tszyu after a turbulent period in his career.
The Phoenix Rises from the Ashes
Fighting for the first time since his high-profile rematch defeat to Sebastian Fundora in July, Tim Tszyu's future was squarely on the line. Three punishing world-title losses in 16 months to Fundora and Russian fighter Bakhram Murtazaliev had left the 31-year-old former WBO super-welterweight champion at a career crossroads. A fourth loss from his last five fights would have severely damaged his global reputation.
However, shedding his old 'Soul Taker' moniker for the self-styled 'Phoenix', Tszyu delivered on his promise of a rebirth. He dominated the previously undefeated Velazquez over ten rounds, in what Main Event commentator Ben Damon described as a 'violent clinic'.
A Commanding Performance in Sydney
The proud Puerto Rican-American challenger, Anthony Velazquez, entered the ring with an impressive 18-0 professional record, boasting 15 knockouts. Despite his power, he was outclassed by a focused and measured Tszyu, who fought at a more comfortable catchweight above 70 kilograms.
Tszyu controlled the bout with a sharp left jab and hurt Velazquez with a powerful overhand right in the sixth round. The American's corner worked desperately to close a severe cut under his left eye, but he was allowed to continue and gamely saw out the distance.
The three judges' scorecards reflected Tszyu's dominance: 100-90, 100-90, and 100-91. An emotional Tszyu declared after the fight, 'I'm back. I'm f****** back.'
New Team, New Approach
This victory marked Tszyu's first outing under the guidance of esteemed Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz, following a complete overhaul of his team after the second Fundora loss. The new partnership, forged during a training camp in Miami, paid immediate dividends.
'I really just wanted to feel comfortable in there,' Tszyu explained of his refined style. 'I wanted to get in the ring, not try to go for the KO and get reckless. In the past, that's what actually cost me. I wanted to take my time, use the jab. I've got all the skills in the world.'
He expressed gratitude to his supporters and both his old and new teams, calling boxing a long emotional rollercoaster.
Preserving a Legendary Family Legacy
Beyond personal redemption, Tszyu's win carries significant weight for one of Australian sport's most famous families. The victory preserves the Tszyu family's perfect professional record on home soil.
The combined ledger in Australia now stands at an astonishing 53-0, comprised of Tim's 24-0 record, his younger brother Nikita's 11-0, and their Hall of Fame father Kostya's 18-0.
The spotlight now shifts to Nikita Tszyu, who faces a domestic blockbuster against Melbourne's Michael Zerafa in Brisbane on January 16. The pair engaged in a heated face-off after Tim's fight, with Zerafa vowing to 'punish' Nikita and settle a long-running feud with the Tszyu clan.
For Tim Tszyu, the path is clear. This statement win in Sydney has not only silenced critics but has firmly put the 'Phoenix' back on the road to another potential world-title shot.
