TSYZU LOSE: IBF champ Murtazaliev thumps Tim Tsyzu and retains world title in shocking upset

In what was meant to be the start of a second reign as world champ for Tim Tsyzu, it quickly turned into a painful wake up call for the former world champion. Bakhram Murtazaliev had recently won the IBF world title in an 11th KO of Jack Culcay in Germany. The much avoided Russian showed why opponents were not eager to fight him, with a dominating display that now has fans wondering how good Murtazaliev really is.

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It has been a long year for Tim Tzyzu. After losing his title in a bloody affair against Sebastian Fundora in May, Tzyzu wasted no time hunting another shot at a world title. Similar to his last fight, Tzysu was scheduled to fight hungry contender Virgil Ortiz in an exciting super-welterweight matchup. Injury forced that fight to be scrapped, but presented Tzyzu with an opportunity to challenge for a world title once again. It was an opportunity Tzyzu couldn't refuse and lined up a fight with the newly crowned champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.

A tough fight was inevitable, but many believed that the talent and toughness of Tim Tzyzu would be enough to secure the victory. Tyyzu never overlooked his opponent, but did have one eye on future fights with the major names in the division. Murtazaliev's did not carry the same weight as other opponents, but earned his shot at the title the hard way. A gritty scrap against Culcay was the last hurdle for Murtazaliev before winning the title. Now was the time to put himself on the world stage.

Murtazaliev was active from the opening bell, as the champ had a sharp jab that kept Tzyzu alert and on his toes. Heavy artilery was exchanged between both fighters and it was only a matter of time before a bomb would land. As Tsyzu attempted to land a big shot in Round 2, Murtazaliev countered with a textbook left hook that sent Tzyzu tumbling to the canvas. Down for only the third time in his career, Tsyzu was rocked but managed to beat the count. His fortunes however, would not change.

With no Plan B for Tim Tyzyu, he made the decision to fight his way out of trouble. This would not pay off. Walking toward the fire of the Murtazaliev punches, Tyzyu was caught with a straight left and fell to canvas once again. Fans in Orlando were going crazy as we have never seen Tzyzu this hurt. Managing to get to his feet once more, Tim Tyzyu was in trouble. Murtazaliev continued to throw a barrage of heavy shots, ending with a chopping right hand in the final seconds of the round. Tsyzu down for the third time in this disaster round. After getting to his feet once more, and being saved by the bell, Tsyzu stumbled to his corner after the worst round of his career.

Round 3 did not look much different for the former world champion. Still rocked from the previous round, Tsyzu was on unsteady legs. Showing great heart, Tzysu continued to march forward in the face of danger. Nowhere near as alert as he was in Round 1 and got caught with a similar check left hook that dropped him in Round 2. Down for the fourth time, it just was not going to be Tzyzu's night. Bravery allowed him to get to his feet. The ref said down once more and the fight is over, but his corner spared him from any more damage and threw in the towel. The fight was stopped. #AndStill IBF Super Welterweight Champion. Bakhram Murtazaliev.

It's been a tought year for Tim Tzyzu. Losing his own world title in painful circumstances to a late replacement. Now Tyzyu (24-2) will have to rebuild his career and confidence that helped establish a growing fanbase. The Australian is capable of achieving much more in the future, but will have to make improvements to his style. As for Murtazaliev (23-0, 17KOs), the world now knows his name. Big fights are likely to follow the IBF world champ after this huge victory. Murtazaliev now has the opportunity to truly establish himself as one of the best in the division. The 154lb division is STACKED!

- AE