Tim Tsyzu's boxing career is in tatters after Russian champion Bakhram Murtazaliev delivered a top-class punch to him in their IBF super welterweight world title fight in Orlando on Sunday.

In his highly anticipated return to the ring for the first time since his loss to Sebastian Fundora in March, Tszyu appeared unusually slow and sluggish, a far cry from what many expected from someone rumored to be facing some of boxing's greatest Names in 2025.

Tszyu was knocked down three times in a brutal second round that showcased Murtazaliev's devastating left hook. When Tszyu hit the canvas for the fourth time at the start of the third round, he quickly waved the white flag and conceded defeat.

“Every time I step into the ring I’m ready to die here. Things didn’t go according to plan (and) the better man won tonight,” Tszyu said shortly after the fight ended. “After the first shot, things didn’t go according to plan. That's how boxing is. You get hit and your reactions are slower. I tried my best and these things happen. You live and learn, right?”

The fight ended with Murtazaliev landing 67 punches to Tszyu's 37 and 50 power punches to Tszyu's 25.

The surprising defeat, now the second in a row, leaves Tszyu with no clear path to another fight for the world title. It's worrying considering the 29-year-old Australian had already confirmed earlier in the day that he will be moving from Sydney to Las Vegas later this year to pursue his boxing dream.

More to come…