Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev: IBF orders Australian to fight for super welterweight title

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Tim Tszyu Bakhram Murtazaliev
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Tim Tszyu looks set for another blockbuster fight with the Australian star ordered to take on undefeated IBF super welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.

The bout was ordered by the IBF on Wednesday morning (AEST) with Tszyu currently the highest-ranked contender in the division.

A date and location for the fight are still to be locked in, with Murtazaliev and Tszyu's teams given 30 days to reach an agreement before a purse bid is ordered.

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It is believed Murtazaliev is keen to host the fight in the USA, while Tszyu's team want it in Australia.

Tszyu had been set to face Erickson Lubin in a IBF world title eliminator in Sydney in September, but that fight was axed after the American withdrew last month.

No Limit Boxing, Tszyu's promoters, had announced the 29-year-old would return on home soil on September 22, although that possibility now seems a long shot. 

The Australian said he was excited to be preparing for another huge fight and proclaimed he was ready to be a champion once again.

"I’m blessed to be in this position again and fighting for another world title. It’s amazing. It’s time to become a two-time world champ," Tszyu said in a statement.

“[Murtazaliev’s] a world champion for a reason, and in this level you’ve just got to take them all out one by one. And they all will fall so, I’m looking forward to this challenge wherever it is. It’s been a long time coming.

“The first time me and Bakrham were discussed was before the Tony Harrison fight, straight after the Charlo withdrawal, so I knew I about him along time ago. I’ve had my eyes on him and it’s good that he’s got the title now and been mandated so he can’t be hiding anymore.

“Being a shot caller again and controlling the narrative, that’s what you get with being a world champion. It’s my second opportunity to get back to where I belong and to control the narrative and to choose my shots.

“I’m currently grinding in Vegas and I’m working with the UFC guys and they’ve been so strict down there. I’ve become big on the 1% percenters with everything to do with my life so you’ll see that on fight night and when I come out you’ll see the difference in everything between me and Bakhram.

“Of course I’d love the world title to be in Australia and to be fighting in front of home fans but look it doesn’t bother me, I’ll fight anywhere.

“Good things comes to those who wait and my victory is their victory so buckle up and enjoy the ride because the next few years and next couple of months is quite exciting not just for me but for the whole of Australia I’m blessed and lucky enough to share it with everyone around me.”

Tszyu (24-1) was undefeated until he was beaten by Sebastian Fundora in a split decision back in March this year, losing his WBO super welterweight title.

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Kieran Francis is a senior editor at Sporting News Australia.
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