FORMER WBO super-welterweight world champion, Tim Tszyu, suffered a third defeat in four when he was stopped in his rematch with Sebastian Fundora in July. In response, the Aussie has made major changes to his team.
The 30-year old seemed to be on a path to replicate if not better the achievements of his legendary father Kostya when he moved up to the world level a few years ago, becoming the face of Australian boxing and getting his hands on the WBO title.
Yet, after just one defence of the belt, Tszyu’s reign came to a shocking end as Fundora pulled off the upset with a split-decision triumph in America, aided by a gruesome cut that could have rendered the affair a no-contest if Tszyu had made more of a complaint.
‘The Soul Taker’ attempted to return to the throne upon his next outing, but was instead dominated by IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in a devastating three-round demolition that left Tszyu in no-man’s-land.
Tszyu then returned to home soil and halted Joseph Spencer to rediscover some momentum, simultaneously earning a rematch with Fundora and subsequent shot at the WBC super-welterweight world title.
However, once again, Tszyu was left wanting, and was pulled out of the contest after seven rounds of relatively one-sided action.
On his Instagram, Tszyu announced his decision to appoint a new team, whom he labels as the ‘Aussie Super Team’, which includes Australian matchmaker Mike Altamura, as well as Darcy Ellis and Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech, 29-3-1 (23 KOs).
“After my last loss, I felt like I needed a change, with a different game plan. So, part of the new team is Darcy [Ellis], Mike [Altamura] and with Jeff [Fenech] being an advisor/mentor type of role.
“I’m coming in with a whole new, different mindset. Everyone is just going to come on board and witness history. Tune in and watch because you’re going to witness something.”
Altamura will act as a ‘matchmaking strategist’, whilst Ellis, son of former IBF super-featherweight world champion Lester Ellis, 41-8 (28 KOs), will adopt a managerial role. Three-division conqueror, Fenech, will be less involved but will act as an advisor and mentor when called upon, as per Code Sports.
Tszyu has also confirmed that he was split from long-time trainer, Igor Goloubev, who he has fought under throughout the entirety of his professional career thus far.
“There is no particular reason [behind the sacking] because I am very grateful for what the boys did for me, especially my coach Igor, he started with me before I was even professional, back in my amateur days.
“But, I feel like I just wanted a little change, I feel like I am in that position right now, to have that little change and now I’m coming in with this mentality that this is the 2.0.
“This is my next chapter, in my other losses, I should’ve changed little things around and this is my time now.”
Over the coming months, Tszyu will travel to the United States and visit gyms in search of a new trainer, one whom he believes can guide him back to the super-welterweight world title.
