Tim Tszyu to wreak 'vengeance' on Bakhram Murtazaliev after reunion with dad Kostya
Tim Tszyu has opened up on reuniting with his famous father Kostya in preparation for his world title fight against Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev in Florida next Sunday.
Tszyu is yet to step in the ring following his bloody loss in Las Vegas in March but is eyeing redemption against the undefeated IBF super welterweight champion.
Inviting 9News inside his home, Tszyu said vengeance was front of mind after succumbing to Sebastian Fundora in a bloodbath.
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During the two-belt clash, where Fundora withstood the Australian over 12 punishing rounds for a split decision, a deep cut to his forehead caused by an elbow blow left Tsyzu gushing blood.
Tim Tszyu shows off his new 'V' scar. 9News
"I've got a scar now, see," he told 9News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi, pointing out the V shaped scar on his head.
"The V is for vengeance," he added. "I'm coming back."
With the nasty head wound sustained in just the second round, Tszyu's vision was impaired by the blood for the remainder of the fight.
"I just remember seeing a fountain [of blood] coming out," Tszyu said.
Tim Tszyu battles against Sebastian Fundora during their 12-round title fight at T-Mobile Arena. Steve Marcus via Getty Images
"I was like, 'Damn, this isn't good this early'."
The defeat marked the first loss of his professional career after 24 consecutive wins but Tszyu now has his sights on challenging Murtazaliev's title.
The IBF title is more than just another belt to Tszyu — his father, Russian-Australian boxing legend Kostya, held it for close to a decade from the mid-1990s.
"It's going to be a cracker of a fight," he said.
"A big part of my background is Russian and you know, I get to fight a fellow Russian as well so that's going to be cool for me."
Tszyu recently took a trip to Thailand to train and reunite with his famous dad.
"It was great to see him and reconnect," Tszyu said.
"It was more spending time as a father and son, it had nothing to do with him trying to coach me or stuff like that.
"It was more just hanging out and spending time together — but him trying to break me of course."
Tim Tszyu and his dad Kostya train together in Thailand. 9News
Kostya has only watched Tszyu fight once in person, which was eight years ago.
The 29-year-old revealed that Kostya will be in attendance at Caribe Royale Orlando to watch him fight.
"It's more a moment for him," Tszyu said.
"It's going to be pretty cool for him to see how far we've come."
Last week, Murtazaliev described Tszyu as "the most hyped name in boxing" before declaring he would win their bout via knockout.
Tszyu will face off against Murtazaliev on Sunday, October 20 AEDT.
