'No excuses': Tim Tszyu 'obliterated' in one-sided world title loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev
Updated . First published at
Tim Tszyu has suffered his second straight loss, this time falling to a powerful Bakhram Murtazaliev via TKO in just the third round of their IBF world title fight.
The former champ was knocked down three times in the first two rounds, and then a fourth in the third round forced his team to throw in the towel.
Tszyu's brash approach was no match for the taller fighter in a horror loss for the Aussie, leaving his career at a crossroads.
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"A monstrous upset from Murtazaliev," Ben Damon said on commentary.
"The Russian sends Tim Tszyu to Floridian oblivion. It has been an obliteration."
Bakhram Murtazaliev celebrating after defeating Tim Tszyu by TKO. Main Event Boxing
The result comes after Tszyu's bloody loss to Sebastian Fundora earlier this year and the mental wounds from that war were evident on Sunday (AEDT).
Speaking after the fight, the Sydney product said there were "no excuses" for his display and paid credit to Murtazaliev.
"Every time I step in the ring, I'm willing to die in here," Tszyu said.
"This is the reason why I do it. Things didn't go to plan, the better man won tonight … no excuses. He just was that bit better and again, no excuses.
"I tried my best but these things happen, boxing is not meant to be perfect. You live and you learn.
"After the first shot, things didn't go according to plan but that's part of boxing. The victory belongs to Bakhram tonight, he's the man at 154."
Tszyu's career record as a pro now moves to 24-2, with his last victory coming just over a year ago on home soil against Brian Mendoza.
His legendary father Kostya was ringside for the first time in eight years and embraced his son after the loss.
Speaking to media backstage after the fight, Tim couldn't explain the outcome.
Tim Tszyu receives a standing count from the referee. Tom Pombart / No Limit Boxing
"What the f--- just happened? What did I get hit with? I couldn't regroup," he said.
"I don't know man, shit doesn't go your way and you just have to bounce back.
"I was positive after the Fundora [fight] but I've got to find more answers with this one now. This didn't go according to script, it was a little bit different.
"He got me and he was the better man … we live and we learn."
