Terence Crawford has shared his impressions on the surprising defeat of Tim Tszyu against Bakhram Murtazaliev. He stated that Tszyu underestimated Murtazaliev, who has a record of 23-0 with 17 knockouts. According to Crawford, Tszyu got distracted by focusing on other potential rivals. This lack of attention led him to be knocked out in the third round of a fight that took place on Saturday night in Orlando, Florida.
“Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters”, wrote Terence Crawford on X.
The fight was a demonstration of strength by Murtazaliev, who knocked Tszyu down three times in the second round. He then knocked him down again in the third round, which prompted Tszyu’s corner to throw in the towel. The result was a clear reflection of Murtazaliev’s dominance in the ring.
Terence Crawford emphasized that, although Tszyu looked in good physical shape, he lacked the defense and mobility necessary to face such an aggressive fighter. Tszyu made a risky decision by choosing to face Murtazaliev.
Despite the extra time the ringside doctor gave Tszyu before the third round started, he was unable to recover. Crawford expressed his discontent with the time allowed for Tszyu, as he felt it did not change the outcome.
On the other hand, legendary boxer Shawn Porter also weighed in on the fight. He commented that Tszyu’s body language was arrogant and that he should not have tried to “fight fire with fire”.
“I thought Tim would be the guy moving to his left, circling and using his range. I know you see a reach difference or a disadvantage for Tim, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve outjabbed everyone that I’ve been in the ring with; everyone that I’ve been in the ring with has been taller and longer than me. It can be done.”
“I thought he was going to do that, but he didn’t. I think that’s what happened. They came out with a different style than what the Tszyu camp expected, and I think it just started to unravel from there.”
“You know what concerned me? I thought Tim was a little bit arrogant early on. I don’t think he earned the right to dominate in this fight,” said Porter.
The defeat against Murtazaliev could be a hard blow for Tszyu’s career. The challenges he will face to get back to the top are significant.
Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) October 20, 2024
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