Tim Tszyu is anxious to showcase the effects of his new surrounding team.
The former WBO 154lbs titlist stayed true to his word of getting in one more fight for 2025. No Limit Boxing confirmed that Tszyu is set to face unbeaten Anthony Velazquez in a scheduled 10-round contest on December 17 at ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Australia.
“Tim Tszyu returns home,” No Limit Boxing said through social media on Tuesday.
Tszyu, 25-3 (18 KOs) - who was born in Syndey - has armed himself with a new trainer and adviser as he enters the next chapter of his career. The 33-year-old, second-generation boxer made sweeping changes following his repeat defeat to WBC 154lbs titlist Sebastian Fundora on July 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tszyu was stopped after seven rounds in a failed bid to become a two-title titlist.
The setback marked Tszyu’s third loss in his past four starts, with only a knockout win over Joey Spencer in April disrupting his horrid run of bad luck.
Tszyu will now take corner instructions from renowned trainer Pedro Diaz. The two have spent the past several weeks training in the latter’s Miami, Florida home region. Tszyu has also brought on Mike Altamura in a role described as a “matchmaking strategist.”
The selection of Velazquez, 18-0-1 (15 KOs) provides an opponent with a glossy record on paper.
It will mark a step up in class for the 29-year-old prospect from Springfield, Massachusetts. Velazquez has only twice before fought in scheduled 10-round contests. He went the distance in both, taking unanimous decision victories over Florent Dervis last September and a more dominant showing against Yusuph Metu on April 26.
Both bouts took place in Velazquez’s Springfield hometown and the majority of his near eight-year career has taken place in the U.S. New England region. Velazquez will travel abroad for the first time as a pro.
Meanwhile, Tszyu enjoys his second fight in country this year. Three of his past four contests have taken place in the U.S. – including a points loss to Fundora last March 30 in Vegas and a more brutal 3rd round knockout to Bakhram Murtazaliev last October 19 in Orlando, Florida.
His last appearance in Sydney came in a March 2023 knockout victory over former WBC 154lbs titlist Tony Harrison. The win came with the WBO interim title at stake, which Tszyu upgraded later that year to full title status.
Tszyu’s runout comes one month ahead of younger brother Nikita, who faces Michael Zerafa in a domestic grudge match on January 16 in Brisbane, Australia.
