Velasquez is 18 - 0 with 15 KOs. Looking at his record he has fought some competent fighters. Is North American boxing champ at super welter. One doesnt become NABF champ if hes a bum. He is an 8 year pro that had one amatuer fight in 2013. So he has been training to fight since he was under 15yo.
No recent footage of Velasquez i can find. His most recent footage is mostly 5 years old or older. Going off that old footage, he looks to have slow but heavy hands. Looks athletic. How he has progressed in the past 5 years one can only guess from his record. He Won the NABF title in his 15th fight v 10 -1 Florent Dervis survival race.
IMO a very risky fight for Tim. Velasquez is unbeaten, NABF champ, is competent and can punch. If Velasquez can weather Tims power punches early he will test where Tim is really at. At his peak Tim is way too much for this guy. But that was Tim before he was KOd badly by Murtuzaliev, and got beat up and quit on his stool v Fundora.
Velasquez may answer some life questions for Tim. A loss would demand retirement.
I believe this is a strong comeback match for Tszyu, as he faces a competent yet unremarkable opponent he should be able to beat. Velazquez has some power but has mainly fought at the continental level and performed well against those competitors. This is a chance for Tszyu to wrap up 2025 on a high note, while also giving an up-and-coming fighter the opportunity to shine.