Tim Tszyu is set to relaunch his career on December 17, headlining a major card at the ICC Sydney Theatre against unbeaten American Anthony Velazquez. The 30-year-old Australian returns after an 18-month spell marked by crushing setbacks, including three world-title defeats to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev. Now, he aims to begin a fresh rise — one he says is symbolized by his new nickname: The Phoenix.
Velazquez enters the bout as a slick counter-puncher and arguably the most dangerous opponent Tszyu could have chosen for a comeback. At Wednesday’s virtual face-off, the 29-year-old American said he is “coming to Australia to win” and believes he can beat Tszyu “in multiple ways.” Promoter George Rose echoed those concerns, calling the matchup a risky assignment for the former champion.
Watch Murtazaliev vs. Tszyu highlights.
Tszyu, however, insists he welcomes the danger. Training in Miami under renowned Cuban coach Pedro Diaz, he says his renewed mindset and revamped preparation will show on fight night. “I’m going to punch, punch and I’m going to keep punching until he’s out,” Tszyu declared. “I’ve gone through adversity… now it’s about getting back to the very top.”
The Australian believes fans relate to his recent struggles, and he hopes his resilience resonates as he fights one week before Christmas. Velazquez, calm but confident, views the event as the biggest opportunity of his career and plans to seize it.
The stacked Sydney card will also feature Sam Goodman’s return against Tyler Blizzard following his world-title challenge, along with Callum Peters taking on Cody Beekin. Additional action comes from Ahmad Reda, Paulo Aokuso and Koen Mazoudier - but all eyes will be on Tszyu’s first step in proving whether The Phoenix can truly rise.
Fight card:
▪️Tim Tszyu vs. Anthony Velazquez, 10 rounds, middleweight ▪️Sam Goodman vs. Tyler Blizzard, 10 rounds, super bantamweight ▪️Callum Peters vs. Cody Beekin, 10 rounds, for the Australian middleweight title ▪️Koen Mazoudier vs. Dominic Molinaro, 10 rounds, for the Australian super welterweight title ▪️Ahmad Reda vs. Jomar Paliwen, 6 rounds, lightweight ▪️Charlie Kazzi vs. Blair Geraghty, 6 rounds, lightweight ▪️Paulo Aokuso vs. Shukhrat Abdullaev, 6 rounds, light heavyweight ▪️Blake Wells vs. Quinton Smith, 6 rounds, middleweight ▪️Dharringarra Trewhella vs. Kya Sparks, 5 rounds, welterweight
