'This was a heavy one': Tim Tszyu called out over 'arrogant' approach as world title hopes dashed
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Tim Tszyu has been called out for his "arrogant" approach against Bakhram Murtazaliev that ultimately cost the Australian a chance at the IBF world title.
The 29-year-old was completely outclassed and overpowered by the Russian champion on Sunday (AEDT) and the fight was waved off inside three rounds.
Despite flying out of the gates with some aggressive offence, Tszyu was dropped four times by Murtazaliev in a one-sided bout in front of a small crowd in Orlando.
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The defeat is only the second of Tszyu's professional career, with the only other blemish on his record coming in a bloody 12-round war with Sebastian Fundora.
Tim Tszyu receives a standing count from the referee. Tom Pombart / No Limit Boxing
But while the Aussie was lauded for his bravery back in March, the reaction this time around was less than positive given the brutal nature of the fight.
Former world champion Shawn Porter called out Tszyu's game plan and believes his attempts to go toe-to-toe with Murtazaliev were misguided.
"That was one-sided and I could see that coming from the opening bell," he said.
"The body language of Tszyu was very arrogant. They should not have tried to fight fire with fire. Moving and turning and using the jab would have been the right thing to do."
George Kambosos was among those to react on social media after the horror loss.
The latest setback for Tszyu will raise huge doubts over his chances of becoming a world champion again, especially in a stacked weight class.
The most likely outcome now will be for Tszyu to take on a domestic fight - potentially against Michael Zerafa - but according to Porter, it's time for the Sydney product to reassess where he sees himself in the boxing world.
"This was a heavy one ... it's gonna take some time for him to get back," he said.
"As far as him getting back to world title contention, I'm not sure. I'd like to see him get back home and have a fight or two.
"Take some time and decompress ... it is now time to take some time away."
Tszyu's manager Matt Rose said the No Limit crew are still "super proud" of their main man despite his second consecutive loss.
"You have good nights and bad nights and tonight was just one of those things," he told media backstage after the fight.
"I don't think it changes anything in regards to who Tim Tszyu is and if anything, it shows the warrior that lives inside him.
"He's never gonna back down from anyone and whenever Tim Tszyu fights, he will always show up. From us, we're still super proud … it's just one of those nights."
