Tim Tszyu has vowed to remain independent and to continue resisting the overtures of the General Entertainment Authority and Turki Alalshikh.
The Australian, who on Saturday challenges Bakhram Murtazaliev for the Russian’s IBF junior-middleweight title, previously angered the chairman of the GEA, whose frustration with Tszyu led to him condescendingly saying: “I will not work with Tim Tszyu; let him do his way; he doesn’t understand.”
Tszyu’s comfort in his relationships with promoters Premier Boxing Champions and No Limit, complemented by the size of his support in his home country, have contributed to him resisting the temptation to pursue positions on extravagant promotions overseen by the GEA.
A victory on Saturday at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida would represent the start of his second reign as a world champion, and therefore enhance his influence—and his ability to continue steering his career in his own way.
“I just sort of laughed at [Alalshikh],” the 29-year-old told BoxingScene. “It kind of felt like a young kid that didn’t get a lollipop. ‘Oh well.’ You just ignore it.
“I’ve got a good team behind me, and I’m happy with everything. I don’t need to depend on anyone else; thinking there’s going to be some god and saviour of boxing who’s going to come and fix everything, you know?
“I think part of it is being able to create your own revenue, and not be dependent on others, and not have to bow down. Be loyal to who supported you from the start.
“Money, I guess. That’s the only reason [to be like that]. We’re in the sport for a short period of time, so whatever opportunity people are getting there, they’re jumping on it, and the opportunity that I got is currently here, with PBC and No Limit.”
Tszyu’s commitment to the path he is following has contributed to plans for him to relocate from Sydney to Las Vegas, because of the sparring and other opportunities to progress his career the move would present.
His celebrated father Kostya, the retired junior welterweight and Hall of Fame inductee, is in Orlando to witness one of his fights for the first time since his professional debut in 2016. Unlike then, Tim doesn’t expect him to attempt to guide him through Saturday’s fight against Murtazaliev, 31.
“I think he’s more than ready,” Tszyu said. “He’s more excited. It came from him. I’ve never invited anyone. I’ve never given anyone the expectation I want them there – besides my coach.
“I think another world title – a big opportunity [is why he wanted to be here]. It could be [because I lost to Sebastian Fundora in my past fight].
“I went to Thailand recently with him, but my brother [Nikita] hasn’t seen him in 11 years. It’s unbelievable [him being here]. It’s a good feeling.
“It’s just a little soft feeling. But darkness will come again [pre-fight].”
