Tim Tszyu will now have a new man helping with his career as Mike Altamura hopes to create a path to redemption for the former titleholder.
Tszyu was stopped in July by Sebastian Fundora at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, suffering his third loss in his last four fights.
Tszyu, 25-3 (18 KOs), suffered a massive cut on his forehead against Fundora in their first bout during this stretch, losing his WBC and WBO junior middleweight titles via split-decision. He returned to fight for the vacant IBF junior middleweight title, but was dropped multiple times by Bakhram Murtazaliev in a one-sided stoppage. In April, Tszyu would rebound to defeat Joey Spencer, only to be stopped in the corner in his most recent rematch with Fundora. Recently, Tszyu took to social media to hint at changes to his team.
Despite many feeling Tszyu’s best days are behind him, Altamura is excited about what the future holds and building a roadmap for Tszyu back to the top.
“I was excited to be involved with a fighter like him at this stage where there is such an opportunity for a pathway to redemption,” Altamura told BoxingScene. “I love underdog stories. I love comeback stories, which inspire and motivate me to give Tim my absolute best and be patient with his build back.”
So, how did Altamura connect with Tszyu? Darcy Ellis, the son of Altamura’s childhood idol, Lester Ellis, reached out to Altamura, who had been his co-manager for his three pro fights.
Altamura, without hesitation, took the opportunity. Ellis will handle the business side of things, while Altamura will look to create a roadmap back to the top of the sport.
What is the first step?
“Focusing on where he is going to feel at home,” Altamura said. “What gym, what environment, what trainer is he going to click and connect with?
“Once that is in place, we can focus on building the necessary fights,” Altamura said. “Activity is key. Get him up and rolling.”
Altamura also detailed that he is not expecting to move Tszyu as quickly as he had in the past.
“Anyone who knows me knows I have a very patient approach,” Altamura said. “I am happy to have all the patience in the universe to ensure that Tim has every opportunity to scale that mountain again.”
