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'He's an idiot': Bakhram Murtazaliev strikes back at Tszyu over 'step aside' claims

October 17, 2024 - 1.59am

Bakhram Murtazaliev has laughed off claims made by Tim Tszyu that he's a "step aside fighter" calling the Australian an "idiot" if he believes that.

Tszyu poked the IBF champion before Sunday's bout at the Caribe Royale Resot in Orlando, making light of the fact the Russian had taken cheques from promoters to allow more lucrative bouts to take place.

When Jermell Charlo was the former unified champion of the division, the Russian was the No.1 contender for years and a mandatory to fight the American.

But instead of upholding his duty to fight Murtazaliev, Charlo's promoters looked for the biggest paydays on offer and paid the US-based Russian a fee to allow higher-profile fighters to share the ring with the Texan.

Murtazaliev eventually got his chance to fight for the title earlier this year, defeating Jack Culcay in his rival's backyard in Germany, to take home the belt.

Bakhram Murtazaliev in his world title clash against Jack Culcay. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I

Speaking to Australian media through translator and coach Roma Kalantaryan, the IBF champion said he wasn't offended by Tszyu's comments because stepping aside is part of the business of boxing.

"If someone doesn't have a lot of information and talks out of nowhere, then he's an idiot," Murtazaliev said.

"But if he does his research, he should know what's going on in the business of boxing, it's all about business.

"This wasn't by choice, you understand," the champ added.

"If it was by choice, yeah, I'd be offended.

"But we had to step aside because the guy was doing unifications.

"If (Tszyu) means it disrespectfully, yeah, but I think he knows what was happening."

Kalantaryan added: "He was a step asider because no one wanted to fight him".

Murtazaliev was then asked why Charlo repeatedly dodged him and whether it was out of fear.

"I don't think he was scared, it was a business move," the champion said.

"Very smart business moves.

"He made more money than he was supposed to risking his title against me.

"He (fought) Canelo and, while he ended up losing, made a lot more money."

Murtazaliev also referenced the Culcay fight and how he's going to be exponentially better against Tszyu.

He won the belt via 11th round KO but was fasting for Ramadan during the build up and believes his output and strength will be at higher levels for this contest.

As for Kostya Tszyu's presence ringside, Murtazaliev called Tszyu snr "a very good fighter", but followed that up with: "It doesn't matter who will be there. It could be Donald Trump."

"He won't be fighting so it doesn't matter," Kalantaryan said of Kostya.

How to watch?

Tszyu v Murtazaliev will take place at Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, Florida on Sunday, 20th October and can be seen on Fox Sports, Kayo and Main Event.

What time does it start?

The three fight card will begin at 10:30am AEDT with the main event tipped to take place early Sunday afternoon.

What is on the line?

The IBF World Super Welterweight title.

Full fight card

Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Tim Tszyu - IBF World Super Welterweight title

Yoenis Tellez vs Johan Gonzalez - Super Welterweight

Cesar Mateo Tapia vs Endry Saavedra - Middleweight

Betting odds

Tszyu is a huge favourite with TAB pricing the Aussie at $1.16 while Murtazaliev is the underdog at $5.

Tszyu is paying $1.80 for a TKO/KO win, while a win on points for the Aussie sits at $3.

Murtazaliev is paying $11 to win by TKO/KO, while a victory on points for the champ pays $7.50.

Bakhram Murtazaliev's record

22-0 (16KO)

Tim Tszyu's record

24-1 (17KO)

Tale of the tape

Tszyu

Record: 24-1 (17KO)

Age: 29

Height: 174cm

Reach: 179cm

Murtazaliev

Record: 22-0 (16KO)

Age: 31

Height: 183cm

Reach: 183cm