Murtazaliev vs Tszyu Prediction: Saturday, PBC On Prime

The scar seared into former super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu’s skull from the gash caused by Sebastian Fundora’s elbow in their March fight has healed into a nearly imperceptible V shape. But Tszyu feels it, and it fuels his return to the ring. He says it stands for “vengeance.”

Tsyzu wants to regain a title after his loss to Fundora. He’ll happily take the one owned by unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev on Saturday, October 19, live from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Murtazaliev vs Tszyu airs at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries. Fans can start a free 30-day trial to watch the card.

The champion, Murtazaliev, weighed in at 152.8 pounds; Tszyu weighed in at 153.4 pounds.

Sebastian Fundora fought with a bloody and likely broken nose, while Tim Tszyu bled profusely from a cut high on his forehead suffered at the end of the second round. Photo: Esther Lin, Premier Boxing Champions

Although Tszyu lost his belt and suffered his first pro loss, he gained enormous respect from soldiering on with a river of blood pouring from his head from the second round to the final bell. It did nothing to hurt his reputation with fans.

“I realized I was ready to die, no matter what. And when you’re ready to die, you’re a hard man to beat,” said Tszyu.

Russian Roulette

Murtazaliev (22-0, 16 KOs) defeated Jack Culcay, an Ecuadorian fighter based in Germany, by 11th-round TKO to win the IBF title when Jermell Charlo vacated it ahead of a scheduled purse bid for a fight with Murtazaliev as his mandatory.

Murtazaliev has been much avoided, claiming Tszyu was once among those running from a fight.  The Russian is a man of few words, saying after today’s weigh-in, “I don’t like to talk. I like to fight,” said Murtzaliev. “Everything is up to God. If he is willing to let me be a champion, I will be a champion.”

Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) intends to bring the heat against Murtazaliev. The agreeable Australian, now based in Las Vegas, has done the talking for both men in the buildup to this fight.

“This is my moment. Vengeance and no mercy on my mind. Simple. Something painful on his side.”

Training With Kostya Tszyu

Tim Tsyzu traveled to Thailand to train in the heat and humidity with his father, Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu. Photo: Premier Boxing Champions

Although Tszyu is the star attraction, Murtazaliev is the champion here. He will not be an easy out for Tszyu, and he’s trained as if his future depends on it because it does.

Tszyu reunited with his father, legendary Hall of Fame champion Kostya Tszyu. The elder Tszyu lives in Russia. He met up with son Tim in Thailand for what was described as brutal training in the heat and humidity.

Kostya Tszyu will be ringside in Florida for the first time in eight years to see his son in action, with brother Nikita in tow.

“It’s the first time he’s coming since my professional debut, eight years in the making. So, it’ll be good to see him. It will be good to have him there,” said a delighted Tszyu.

Tszyu is ethnically Russian, facing his first-ever Russian opponent in Murtazaliev. He relishes the opportunity to fight in the U.S. and get a chance to become a division champion again by taking Murtazaliev’s belt.

“I believe in my abilities, and everything is going according to plan. Nothing is supposed to be easy on the road to the top. There’s no such thing as an easy fight. You have to go through the fire,” though Tszyu says he hopes there’s less blood.

Prediction: Tszyu By Decision

Tszyu cannot take Murtazaliev lightly. The Russian will stand right in front of Tszyu and trade. He throws 90 to 100 punches per round. Tszyu is also a come-forward fighter. He’s willing to take a punch to land a punch, but he cannot throw caution to the wind merely to put on a show.

Tszyu has better boxing skills, and he should employ them strategically to work his way inside, where he likes to do business against Murtazaliev. The Russian has never been stopped or knocked down as a pro. If Tszyu can’t hurt Murtazaliev, he must focus on a victory by any means necessary, or his boxing future will take a significant hit.

Tim Tszyu drives himself toward his upcoming title fight with Bahkram Murtazaliev on October 19, determined to attain championship status again. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champion

Tszyu’s lineage and his level of opposition are far superior to Murtazaliev’s. It should serve him well as long as he doesn’t get reckless. He is the betting favorite and the cut will not be a factor. We predict he will win by decision and hear those words “And the new.”

Full Card Murtazaliev vs Tszyu Lineup in Florida

Cuban prospect Yoenis Tellez (8-0, 6 KOs) steps up against Johan Gonzalez (35-3, 34 KOs) of Venezuela in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Photo: Joseph Correa, Premier Boxing Champions

Murtazaliev vs. Tszyu will headline PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video. In addition, the lineup will also feature undefeated Cuban prospect Yoenis Tellez (8-0, 6 KOs) against veteran knockout artist Johan Gonzalez (35-3, 34 KOs) of Venezuela in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event.

Mateo Tapia, a Mexican-born resident of Australia (17-0, 10 KOs) hopes to introduce himself to U.S fans against Endry Saavedra, a native Venezuelan training in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo: Joseph Correa, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated middleweight Mateo Tapia, a Mexican-born resident of Australia (17-0, 10 KOs) faces Endry Saavedra, a native Venezuelan training in Tijuana, Mexico (16-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round opening bout

In other action, bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell returns two years after his first loss by technical decision after a cut from an accidental headbutt; undefeated Cuban heavyweight prospect Dainier Pero of Cuba (8-0, 6 KOs); and super featherweight Justin Villoria (6-0, 4 KOs) of Whittier, California.

The 20-year-old nephew of former world champion Brian Villoria takes on Diuhl Olguin of Mexico, a respected journeyman fighting out of California. Ignore Olguin’s 16-40-7 record with ten knockouts. His job is to test young fighters, and he understands the assignment. It will be Olguin’s ninth fight in the last 12 months.