Amazon Prime Video is set to make a significant splash in the boxing world with its first free-to-view event on October 19th, featuring a high-stakes bout between former junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu and the newly crowned IBF belt holder Bakhram Murtazaliev. This card, currently in advanced negotiations, is expected to take place at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Australia's Tim Tszyu is making his return to the ring after suffering a severe head injury in his March 30th title fight against Sebastian Fundora. The injury, caused by an elbow from Fundora, led to a deep cut that hindered Tszyu throughout the fight, ultimately resulting in a split-decision loss. Now fully recovered, Tszyu is eager to reclaim a 154-pound title and is set to challenge the undefeated Russian fighter Murtazaliev, who secured the vacant IBF title by knocking out Germany's Jack Culcay in April.
This event marks a significant milestone for Amazon Prime Video as it ventures into the boxing world with a free-to-view event, following a series of successful pay-per-view cards. The platform has already hosted major bouts, including Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia and Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin, with more high-profile fights lined up, such as Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga on September 14th.
Looking ahead, Tszyu has ambitious plans to remain highly active, aiming to fight up to four times a year in the highly competitive junior middleweight division. His ultimate goal is a rematch with Sebastian Fundora, potentially in 2025, depending on how the landscape of the division unfolds. Fundora, meanwhile, is obligated to fight Terence Crawford if Crawford invokes his mandatory position, but other lucrative options, such as a bout against Errol Spence Jr., may also be in play.
Image Credit: PBC