Terence Crawford Reacts To Tim Tszyu’s Shock Knockout Loss: “I Told You”

Terence Crawford Reacts To Tim Tszyu’s Shock Knockout Loss: “I Told You”
Image credit: Matchroom / PBC
Kerr Ferguson

Tim Tszyu has big plans for 2025, not least a fight with Terence Crawford, that were snatched away by a Bakhram Murtazaliev left hook.

Tszyu was a heavy favourite entering the ring in Florida, tipped to bounce back from a points loss to Sebastian Fundora in March in which a gash on his forehead seriously hampered his efforts.

This weekend was a chance to become a two-time super-welterweight champion as Murtazaliev, after winning the vacant IBF belt back in April, put it on the line.

The Russian dropped Tszyu three times in the second round and then again in the third before the towel came in ending an absolutely torrid night for the challenger, who was out on his feet.

Watching closely was WBA Champion Terence Crawford, who has had a target on his back since making his debut in the 154 division earlier this year. ‘Bud’ put out a series of posts on social media giving his thoughts on the action.

“Tim better change up that game plan and start moving his head coming in.

“Told y’all … Too strong for Tim … It’s over for Tim … His legs gone … giving Tim time is crazy … Stop the fight.

“Tim thought he had an easy one. Took this dude lightly and was worried about other fighters.”

The 36-year-old four-weight world champion from Omaha then said that the fight’s narrative represented a bigger problem in the sport.

“This why you can’t listen to these fans. They don’t know boxing at all. Just because you never heard of a fighter doesn’t mean he’s a bum. Now everyone is high on Murtazaliev. Y’all need to stop downing fighters just because y’all don’t pay attention to them.”

Post-fight, Tszyu – who likely won’t ever meet Crawford in the ring now – said, “Things didn’t go according to plan, and the better man won tonight. No excuses. After the first shot, things started not going according to plan. That’s part of boxing; you get hit, and reactions get slower. Bakhram is the man at 154.”

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