'Step aside fighter': Tim Tszyu takes swipe at Bakhram Murtazaliev after 'talks too much' jab

Tim Tszyu labelled Bakhram Murtazaliev's claims the Russian champion was avoided by rivals for years as "nonsense" while calling the IBF belt holder a "step aside fighter".

Speaking on official fight week from Orlando ahead of Sunday's (AEDT) world championship bout, the Aussie former champion hit back at claims he "talks too much" and that he's been hyped up during his career.

Tszyu is looking to reclaim a world title after his unfortunate loss to Sebastian Fundora seven months ago, and if he can regain the gold belt he'll have a host of options, with reports stating US great Terrence Crawford, Errol Spence and even a rematch with Fundora are on the cards.

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But a possible clash with Crawford would be most enticing, with No Limit's George Rose pricing the bout at around $40 million.

Yet he must pass Murtazaliev first, the Russian title holder who at the weekend said Tszyu "talks a lot" and the reason why it took so long to get the belt was because most fighters did not want to get in the ring with him.

Tszyu rubbished that assertion.

"He keeps saying that he's much avoided. That's nonsense. I've been chasing him for a long time. It's a tough challenge I guess but I'm just here to show I'm levels above."

Tszyu added: "Hype - I've listened to that for the majority of my career. It's not new, some have said that, some are respecting.

"But then you got more saying he's all 'hype', all that bullshit. Me talking (too much)? I do interviews, that's what selling a fight is. Unlike some guys who aren't promotable at all. It's not my fault.

"He's a step aside fighter, clearly. I'm here to take the toughest challenges, the hardest fights, the biggest fights.

"Create a legacy and make a shit tonne of money. That's what I'm here for. Him he takes step aside money. We're in two different worlds."

Generally, fighters who are ranked high but don't attract much attention from the public are often given a cheque to move out of the way and allow another fighter to move in and take their place. Hence the term step aside.

Tszyu said Orlando had escaped the worst of Hurricane Milton and never really had a doubt about fighting there, since the weather event moved in last week.

As for the path he may follow if he can beat the Russian, there's every chance huge events await the Australian, who plans to move to the US full time after this fight.

"When Tim Tszyu wins the IBF world title he becomes the name in the division," promoter George Rose told Fox Sports.

"And we know Crawford wants that fight. Tim just needs the belt.

"Because once Timmy Tszyu has that second world title, it takes him to the top of every conversation in the division.

"And a division where, right now, there are so many guys chasing greatness

"Fighters like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence, Vergil Ortiz, all these guys looking to win world titles, create history.

"Plus, when Tim wins this next fight, Crawford is going to see all the hype that accompanies it."

Aussies can watch Tszyu's title fight on Main Event on Sunday.