Tim Tszyu vs. Anthony Velazquez | Kayo Sports - December 17, 2025

[Ruthless-RKO]

Determined Tim Tszyu to headline on December 17 against Anthony Velazquez

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.

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Sam Goodman-Tyler Blizzard to support Tim Tszyu-Anthony Velazquez

Sam Goodman will return from his first defeat when he fights his fellow Australian Tyler Blizzard on the undercard of Tim Tszyu-Anthony Velazquez on December 17.

He moved up to featherweight when in August he challenged the WBA champion Nick Ball and, regardless of his defeat via unanimous decision, he will remain there for the contest at the ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Australia.

The junior middleweight Tszyu, 31, fights for the first time since recruiting the Miami-based Cuban to be his new trainer. Velazquez has been identified as the opponent against which to attempt to rebuild, following a run of three defeats in four fights — twice against Sebastian Fundora, before and after his damaging defeat by Bakhram Murtazaliev, which preceded the sole victory, over Joey Spencer.

“December 17 is my chance to get back on track,” said Tszyu. “The past 18 months have tested me and humbled me, but coming home for this fight in Sydney has given me a new sense of clarity and purpose. The Tszyu family has never lost on Australian soil and that legacy means everything to me.

“I’m not the same fighter, despite what critics may say. I’m sharper, hungrier, and more driven because of what I’ve gone through.

“I’m grateful to No Limit Boxing and to everyone who stayed positive despite things not going my way recently. On December 17 I’m fighting for my family, my team, my supporters, and for anyone who has ever been knocked down and chosen to rise again. This is my chance to remind everyone who I am and where I belong.”

Tszyu represents both the highest-profile and most-proven opponent of the 29-year-old Velazquez's 19-fight career.

“I’m excited,” the American said. “This is my biggest opportunity so far and I’m looking to take advantage of it.

“I’ve seen a couple of his fights, he’s had a great career so far but I’m coming to Australia to win. I believe in myself, I believe in my skills, I believe in my ability and I believe I’m going to win this fight. I think I can win in multiple ways, so I’m going to just fight my fight and however it plays out, it’s just win. I’m looking forward to the energy from the Australian fans because it doesn’t mean anything. At the end of the day, it’s just us in the ring with the gloves on who decides the outcome.”

The 10-round contests between Tszyu and Velazquez and Goodman and Blizzard — both featherweights are 27 years old — will be preceded by the fifth fight in the career of the promising Australian middleweight Callum Peters, who has been matched with Cody Beekin.

Full Fight Card

· Tim Tszyu, 25-3 (18 KOs) vs. Anthony Velazquez, 18-0-1 (15 KOs), 10 rounds, 160lbs

· Sam Goodman, 20-1 (8 KOs) vs. Tyler Blizzard. 10-0 (4 KOs) - 10 rounds, 126lbs

· Callum Peters, 4-0 (4 KOs) vs. Cody Beekin, 8-2 (5 KOs) - 10 rounds, 160lbs

· Ahmad Reda, 7-0 (5 KOs) vs. Jomar Paliwen, 7-1-2 (5 KOs) - 6 rounds, 135lbs

· Charlie Kazzi, 9-0 (4 KOs) vs. Blair Geraghty, 4-0, 4 KOs) - 6 rounds, 135lbs

· Paulo Aokuso, 8-0 (4 KOs) vs. Shukhrat Abdullaev, 5-0 (4 KOs) - 6 rounds, 175lbs

· Koen Mazoudier, 14-4-1 (6 KOs) vs. Dominic Molinaro, 5-0 (2 KOs), 10 rounds, 154lbs

· Dharringarra Trewhella, 6-0 (3 KOs) vs. Kya Sparks, 3-0 (3 KOs) - 5 rounds, 147lbs

· Blake Wells, 12-2 (5 KOs) vs. Quinton Smith, 2-1 (2 KOs) - 6 rounds, 160lbs

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tim Tszyu returns Dec. 17 in Sydney against Anthony Velasquez

Tim Tszyu refuses to let 2025 end on a sour note.

The former WBO junior middleweight champion is set to return to the ring on December 17 at the ICC Exhibition Centre in Sydney, Australia, against Anthony Velasquez.

By the time he walks through the ropes, he’ll be five months removed from one of the worst nights of his career.

After stopping a two-fight losing streak to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev, Tszyu (25-3, 18 KOs) looked spectacular against Joey Spencer, stopping him in the fourth round on April 6. But just when he thought he was back to his old self, Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) gave him an unwanted reality check in their summer rematch.

Unlike their first meeting, which ended in a razor-close split decision in favor of Fundora in 2024, there was nothing competitive about their second meeting on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

From the opening bell, Fundora handled Tszyu with ease and stopped the Australian in the seventh round.

Desperate to get back on track, Tszyu teamed up with new trainer, Pedro Diaz. This will be their first fight together.

Although Velasquez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) isn’t well-known, he’s put together a picture-perfect 2025, going 3-0 with two knockouts.

[MPW]

I think this is a good comeback fight for Tszyu, squaring off against a solid but not spectacular fighter whom he should defeat. Velazquez has some pop but has primarily fought continental-level boxers and fared well against them. So, it's a chance for Tszyu to end 2025 on a positive note, but it is also an opportunity for an unknown fighter to make a name for himself.

[Ruthless-RKO]

10 days

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Anthony Velazquez held in LAX on his way to meet Tim Tszyu

Tim Tszyu’s opponent Anthony Velazquez has been delayed on his way to Australia for their catchweight contest on December 17.

The 29-year-old Velazquez lives in Springfield, Massachusetts, and had made it as far as LAX airport in Los Angeles when a ticketing issue prevented him from boarding his flight to his opponent’s home city.

There is a 16-hour time difference between Springfield and Sydney and a 19-hour time difference between Sydney and LA.

“Something happened with the flight ticket,” Matt Rose of No Limit, the promoters of Tszyu-Velazquez, told BS. “He was supposed to board the plane 24 hours ago, so I’m hoping he’s on it now. The visa’s all good.”

Asked what that potentially meant for Velazquez’s hopes of acclimatising in time for fight night, Rose responded: “Because we’re bringing him in fairly early he’ll be sweet. I was waiting for a call, actually, because he’ll land in the morning if he’s got on the [new] flight.”

Tszyu, 31 and who will fight Velazquez at 157lbs, was among those who learned of the development on Wednesday.

“Are you serious?” he responded. “Don’t scare me. Is he coming down here or what?

“Let’s just get him here, I don’t care. Give him every advantage he needs. I just want him here.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

New-look Tim Tszyu ‘bulletproof’ ahead of showdown with Anthony Velazquez

Tim Tszyu described himself as feeling “bulletproof” after arriving back in his home city for his fight with Anthony Velazquez, his first under his new trainer Pedro Diaz.

The 31-year-old Tszyu and Velazquez fight at a catchweight of 157lbs at Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment Centre on December 17, when Tszyu will for the first time be testing his new relationship with Diaz, aware that his career is at risk.

Tsyzu responded to July’s stoppage defeat by Sebastian Fundora by separating from his long-term trainer and uncle Igor Goloubev and manager Glenn Jennings and turning to the Miami-based Cuban Diaz as his new trainer, Darcy Ellis and Mike Altamura as his co-managers, and Jeff Fenech as his advisor.

When he again lost to Fundora, Tszyu was defeated for the third time in four fights – before beating Joey Spencer he lost successive contests to Fundora, after which those around him were criticised, and Bakhram Murtazaliev – and he had planned to rest instead of fighting for a third time in 2025.

If there is little question that the future of Australia’s highest-profile fighter is being gambled with against Velazquez, it is a gamble that Tszyu – for all that his promoters No Limit and broadcasters Main Event have the potentially considerable incentive of his date with Velazquez being pay-per-view – ultimately encouraged.

When he spoke for the first time of his weeks spent under Diaz in Miami he spoke with a renewed sense of self-belief and purpose – perhaps most worrying of all for any invested in his career is the way that by the end of the rematch with Fundora, as opposed to during their first fight or against Murtazaliev, he had the air of a defeated fighter – and, at the start of the build-up to a date that could yet make or break his career, he was transparently enthused by the coming test.

“I’m very grateful for everyone I’ve met in the last couple months, that have gotten me to this position,” he said. “Right now I’m bulletproof, and the only thing on my mind right now is victory.

“It just feels like a whole new transition; a whole new chapter, you know? It’s not what you’ve previously done but what you’re about to do. You have to look forward to the present and the future. We’re both in the same position, because we’ve got to prove it to ourselves – that’s the main thing.

“I’ve just arrived, the first couple of days, so everything’s been nice and relaxing right now, but fight week starts, and that’s when things are going to ramp up. It’s all exciting now.

“In all honesty I just feel good – that’s the main thing. A lot of the changes are external; internally I feel better than ever.

“I knew what I wanted. I’m in a good position in my career, and this like the 2.0, incoming.”

Diaz is in Los Angeles with Norair “Noel” Mikaeljan, who on Saturday at Ace Mission Studios challenges Badou Jack for the WBC cruiserweight title, meaning that until the Cuban can arrive in Sydney, the final days of Tszyu’s preparations will be overseen by another newcomer – Stefan Hubert.

“Some of the things you just have to adapt with,” Tszyu said. “It’s not my first rodeo – I’ve done this plenty of times, so nothing out of the ordinary. I’m sweet.

“It’s just me. I’m doing it for myself. Nothing about anyone else, besides myself.”

[MPW]

It will be interesting to see if Tszyu can maintain the new approach for the duration of the fight. Many times boxers revert to their old form when the first hint of adversity appears, and "bulletproof" hasn't always worked out well for him.

[Ruthless-RKO]

On the back of his losses, did Tszyu have a chance against Jermell?

[MPW]

On the back of his losses, did Tszyu have a chance against Jermell?

At the time the fight was being discussed, I would have given Tszyu a solid shot at beating Jermell. However, in light of how things played out for him, I don't think he would have fared well against Charlo.

[2266889]

I’ve got Tszyu by late TKO if he looks anything like his old self

[giacomino]

Velázquez hasn’t been in the ring with anyone above pub-fighter level. Tszyu should take him out within five. Will be interesting to see what he does with a little extra weight because the MW division is super weak right now and he could definitely contend for a belt

[MPW]

Velázquez hasn’t been in the ring with anyone above pub-fighter level. Tszyu should take him out within five. Will be interesting to see what he does with a little extra weight because the MW division is super weak right now and he could definitely contend for a belt

Nice idea. I honestly didn't think of this as a test run at MW, but that line of thinking does make sense. There are some decent boxers in the division, but none that make you think they're great fighters, even those in the top 10.

[Ruthless-RKO]

‘Amateur coach can’t stop Tim Tszyu from quitting’

Anthony Velazquez’s trainer has warned Tim Tszyu that he is relying on an “amateur coach” to revive his career and predicted that his shortcomings will lead to Tszyu “quitting again”.

Tszyu on Wednesday fights for the first time under his new trainer Pedro Diaz. He confronts Velazquez at the TikTok Entertainment Centre in his home city of Sydney in his attempts to rebuild his career, and will fight at a catchweight of 157lbs.

After three defeats in four fights – two to Sebastian Fundora, either side of a further defeat by Bakhram Murtazaliev and a victory over Joey Spencer – Tszyu separated from his uncle and trainer Igor Goloubev and his manager Glenn Jennings, and recruited Cuba’s Diaz to lead his new-look team.

The experienced Mike Altamura and Darcy Ellis have replaced Jennings, and Tsyzu, 31, has also recruited an advisor in the retired Jeff Fenech. Between them they have approved of the 29-year-old Velazquez as his opponent, but Hector Bermudez, the trainer of Velazquez, has warned them that they have made a “huge mistake”.

“Switching trainers right now is a detriment to his career,” the American said upon their arrival in Sydney. “There’s no way you can develop chemistry that quickly with someone.

“Someone’s style is built through their career, right? Switching things up now thinking you’re gonna get any type of benefits from it is a huge mistake. The ring’s gonna expose every instinct that you have, and instinct is built throughout time, whatever trainer he had before.

“Pedro Diaz is probably a really, really good amateur coach. He always get hired. He has a lot of knowledge about boxing; always get hired, and then get fired. That’s his career, if you see his career. Knowledgeable – yeah, he have the knowledge. But look what happened to Mick Conlan [who lost after working with him]. Everybody he puts his hands on late in their career…

“He’s an amateur coach. Tim, from the very beginning, had a pro style. So you go to a Cuban coach to learn the amateur system? I don’t know who he had before, but they was doing a great job.

“I just know that they picked the wrong fighter. I know that when you’re trying to rebuild a fighter you don’t pick a puncher – this kid’s got dynamite in both hands.

“The right moment, the right voice, can cost you the fight – I don’t know how good he even speaks English.

“Tim is not the same fighter that he was, man. He quit.”

When Bermudez described Tszyu as “quitting” he was referring to how in July’s rematch with Fundora he was retired on his stool.

He proceeded to reveal that he had placed a bet on Tszyu winning that night, such was his confidence in him based on the first fight in which the Australian was undermined by a significant cut to his scalp.

Unlike throughout the first fight with Fundora and against Murtazaliev in 2024, by the end of the rematch with Fundora – for the first time in his career – Tszyu looked defeated, and it is that that Bermudez insists is on course to happen again.

“I’d actually bet on him to win,” he said, “because of how well he was dominating [in the first fight] before he got cut.

“And that was a bad mistake, they should’ve stopped the fight and called it a draw. So I had that in mind.

“But when he fought him again, you know, I don’t know what happened but it wasn’t the same Tim.

“He’s not the same fighter. And I don’t know if you guys are fans of his but he’s not the same fighter as when he started out.

“If he needed fundamentally sound coaching, he could go to an amateur coach,” Bermudez continued. “But you don’t do it now.

“You just don’t. Because it could hurt him. Think about him getting tossed something new and thinking about that when bombs are being thrown at him, it’s not going to mesh.

“I think Tszyu has a good [new] management team, but I don’t know why they went all the way to Florida to pick Pedro Diaz.

“There are variables there that shouldn’t be there.

“Switching coaches can be a good tactic to avoid accountability. So I don’t know what’s going on there, with them hyping him up.

“I could think of 10 coaches that would suit Tim’s style better than learning three punch combinations every time.

“Think about his style. Does he ever go backwards? No, he comes forward.

“And what ethnicity does that put you in mind of? Mexicans. So Robert Garcia would’ve been right. Any Mexican coach on the west coast of America, not Florida.

“That chemistry is built with time. You don’t just build it in eight weeks.

“Any time I get someone, you have to first take a step backwards to go forward. Takes about a year – a couple of fights – to mesh that chemistry.

“Whatever success Tim has [next week] is not going to be because of his trainer. His trainer could hurt him more than help him.

“[Velazquez is] in shape, has come to fight and can punch with both hands.

“And we know once Tim feels something, it’s going to remind him of quitting; of being knocked out.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight week!!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tim Tszyu-Anthony Velazquez to ‘proceed as planned’ after terrorist shooting

Tim Tszyu’s fight with Anthony Velazquez will proceed as planned despite fears of a postponement or cancellation as a consequence of Sunday evening’s terrorist shooting.

The 157lbs catchweight contest at the TikTok Entertainment Centre was feared in jeopardy as a consequence of what unfolded at nearby Bondi Beach on Sunday, and to that end at late notice Monday’s final pre-fight press conference was cancelled.

Following discussions between the promoters No Limit and the relevant authorities, after a period of uncertainty it has instead been confirmed that both Tuesday’s weigh-in and Wednesday’s promotion will take place.

According to Australian officials 15 people – including a 10-year-old girl – were killed in the attack targeting the Jewish community at a Hannukah event in what has been declared a terrorist attack by police and described by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “an act of antisemitism… [and] terrorism on our shores”.

The gunmen, reportedly, were father and son. The father, 50, died after being shot by police. The 24-year-old son is in a critical condition.

That mass shootings are so rare in Australia has contributed to the city of Sydney being left in a state of shock. Sunday’s attack is the deadliest in the country since 35 people were killed by a lone gunman in Port Arthur in 1996.

“Given what happened yesterday at Bondi we cancelled the press conference, both out of respect and safety,” No Limit’s George Rose told Boxing Scene. “Everything goes ahead for the fight and the weigh-in will still take place.

“What happened yesterday is something that was very unexpected and very sad. Assuming that everything is per normal over the next 48 hours, the fight goes ahead.

“We had a meeting this morning and made the decision to cancel [the press conference], mostly out of respect. What you see in a boxing press conference and everything in the lead up to the fight – it’s all excitement and entertainment, and today is a day where a lot of people are grieving and a lot of people are impacted and the two different energy levels just don’t synchronize. Respectfully, we’ve chosen this route today.”

No Limit are preparing to mark Sunday’s tragedy on fight night. The contest, incidentally, represents the 31-year-old Tszyu’s first in his home city for almost three years.

“There’ll be some acknowledgement and respect shown,” Rose explained. “We share our condolences with anybody who was affected by it, because it’s a very sad thing. It’s not something that we see here in Australia.

“I’ve always thought of Sydney as one of the best cities in the world and I do still think Australia’s the best country in the world. This is something that I think, as a community, we’ll all come together and show our respect to anybody who was affected by it.

“As Australian people we show our support for each other. We show our respect to people in instances like this.”

The undefeated Velazquez, 29, is in his 20th fight as a professional, and is fighting for the first time outside of the U.S.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tim Tszyu left ‘rattled and disturbed’ by Bondi Beach shooting

Sunday evening’s “scary” terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach left Tim Tszyu “rattled and disturbed”.

Tszyu was at his home in Sydney and due to attend the following day’s press conference to promote his fight with Anthony Velazquez when he first became aware of what was unfolding at perhaps his home city’s most celebrated beach.

Monday’s press conference was cancelled out of respect for the 15 victims of the shooting and their families. Until discussions between the promoters No Limit and the relevant authorities concluded with what No Limit’s George Rose said meant that they will hereafter proceed as planned, the status of Tuesday’s weigh-in and Wednesday’s promotion were also in doubt.

Fifteen people – including a 10-year-old girl – were killed in the attack targeting the Jewish community at a Hannukah event in what has been declared a terrorist attack by police and described by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as “an act of antisemitism… [and] terrorism on our shores”. The gunmen were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son; the father died after being shot by police, and his son is in a critical condition.

That mass shootings are so rare in Australia has contributed to a wider sense of fear and shock. Sunday’s attack is the deadliest in the country since 35 people were killed by a lone gunman in Port Arthur in 1996.

“I was at home when I heard the news and started seeing the messages and videos come through,” the 31-year-old Tszyu told BS. “It was really scary. It was rattling.

“It’s disturbing, and your heart goes out to everyone affected. One of our friends was going to go to Bondi for a swim yesterday but changed his mind, so it hits close to home and really puts things into perspective. I still can’t believe it happened in Sydney to be honest.

“When a tragedy like this happens, of course the fight becomes secondary, especially when it’s your own city. Sydney is home, and you feel it more deeply.

“But I feel that if we can bring people together and give the city something positive, something to lift spirits and unite everyone, then that’s important too.”

Tszyu was born and raised in Sydney and since following his celebrated father Kostya into boxing has adopted what was Kostya’s gym – the Tszyu Fight Club in Rockdale – as his own.

Wednesday’s fight, at a catchweight of 157lbs at the TikTok Entertainment Centre, represents his first in his home city for almost three years. Their fight week build-up started by him making an appearance at the training ground of the AFL team he has long supported – the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The undefeated Velazquez, 29, is in his 20th fight fighting for the first time outside of America. His final preparations for Wednesday’s contest are taking place at Bondi Boxing Club, close to Bondi at nearby Waterloo. No Limit, incidentally, are preparing a tribute to the victims and their families on Wednesday evening.

“We’d actually just left the gym when that happened,” he told Boxing Scene. “Probably like an hour [before it happened]. We’d just got a little sweat in and were getting ready for the weigh-in. A buddy of ours [Tony Del Vecchio] owns the gym.

“It was pretty crazy. It was terrible. It’s definitely not good – it’s very sad.

“I’ve got to put it to the back of my mind because obviously I’ve got to fight, but I definitely feel for the families and the people that got shot. That’s definitely not nice.

“[But as a professional fighter] you’ve got to stay focused. There’s a lot of things that go wrong in life – you’ve just got to be strong, mentally and physically.

“It’s definitely sad for the families. Terrible for the families. Those terrible people.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tim Tszyu embarks on ‘new chapter’ after weighing in for Anthony Velazquez

Tim Tszyu hailed the start of a “new chapter” after he weighed in for Wednesday’s 157lbs catchweight contest with Anthony Velazquez at the TikTok Entertainment Centre.

The 31 year old fights for the first time since recruiting the Cuban Pedro Diaz to be his new trainer to replace his uncle and long-term trainer Igor Goloubev, and since separating from Glenn Jennings and appointing Mike Altamura and Darcy Ellis to be his co-managers and Jeff Fenech to be his advisor.

When he did so Tszyu was responding to his third defeat in four fights and was said to be prioritising resting and recovering from that damaging run – a first career defeat by Sebastian Fundora, a stoppage defeat by Bakhram Murtazaliev, a victory over Joey Spencer and a second defeat, the second time via stoppage, by Fundora in their rematch.

He instead chose to fight for a third time in 2025 after insisting he had been rejuvenated by working under Diaz in Miami, and in the 29-year-old Velazquez confronts an undefeated opponent he will know he has no choice but to beat.

“This is a new chapter for me,” said the Australian, who weighed in at 156lbs 2oz. “I’m grateful for my old team and the run we had, but I’m just as grateful for this new beginning. I’ve gone through this camp with a new team, a new process and a different mindset, and I’m doing this for myself. That’s why I call it ‘the Phoenix’.

“Working with Pedro has been refreshing. His energy; his knowledge; the way he genuinely cares about his fighter; it feels like family. As for the noise and the headlines, that’s for you guys. I’ve stayed away from it all. I’m focused, calm and ready. Retiring at 31 is ridiculous. I’m an Aussie. We don’t quit. Tomorrow night, we’ll see everything I’ve learned.”

By the time Tszyu and Velazquez stepped on to the scales, the Australian welterweight Jason Fawcett had slapped his opponent Marco Romeo, and less than two days after the terrorist shooting that killed 16 people in nearby Bondi Beach, Wayne Telepe gestured shooting his fellow junior welterweight Ahmad Reda. BS understands that the Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales are content that Fawcett then being spoken to by promoters No Limit means that there is little reason why Fawcett-Romeo shouldn’t proceed. There was also no suggestion that Telepe was aware of the connotations of the gesture he made.

The 156lbs 10oz Velazquez, as has been consistent throughout the build-up to Wednesday’s fight, again had little to say, but his vocal promoter Hector Bermudez was critical of the circumstances surrounding what represents Velazquez’s biggest fight and test.

“From the very beginning, from the plane ride, from all the running around with the medicals and switching the weight, there’s been confusion,” he said. “We agreed on the weight. It was supposed to be 154, then all of a sudden it’s different. We agreed to everything. We came here to fight. That’s fine. We’re not complaining. We’re mentally strong, we’re in shape and we’re ready. We’re not here trying to get a decision.

“As for Pedro Diaz being in the corner, I don’t know. He hardly speaks English. I want confusion. I want it loud. I want it uncomfortable. That doesn’t bother us. Anthony works hard, he’s confident and he’s ready to fight.”

Full weigh-in results

Ten rounds, 157lbs catchweight
Tim Tszyu (156lbs 2oz) vs Anthony Velazquez (156lbs 10oz)

Ten rounds, featherweight
Sam Goodman (125lbs 13oz) vs Tyler Blizzard (125lbs 4oz)

Ten rounds, vacant Australian middleweight title
Callum Peters (159lbs 3oz) vs Cody Beekin (159lbs 6oz)

Ten rounds, Australian junior-middleweight title
Koen Mazoudier (153lbz 13oz) vs Dominic Molinaro (153 7oz)

Six rounds, light heavyweight
Paulo Aokuso (173lbs 14oz) vs Shukhrat Abdullaev (173lbs 1oz)

Ten rounds, Australian junior-welterweight title
Ahmad Reda (139lbs 5oz) vs Wayne Telepe (137lbs 12oz)

Ten rounds, welterweight
Jason Fawcett (146lbs 15oz) vs Marco Romeo (146lbs 13oz)

Four rounds, welterweight
Isaias Sette (153lbs 12oz) vs Kya Sparks (153lbs 5oz)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Date: December 17, 2025
Location: ICC Sydney - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Stream: Kayo Sports | Price: $59.95 aud
Start time: 7 pm AEDT | 8 am GMT | 3 am ET | 12 am PT

Fight Card

10 Round Super Welterweight Bout
Tim Tszyu vs. Anthony Velazquez

10 Round Super Bantamweight Bout
Sam Goodman vs. Tyler Blizzard

10 Round Middleweight Bout
Callum Peters vs. Cody Beekin

Vacant Australian Super Lightweight Championship
Ahmad Reda vs. Wayne Telepe

10 Round Welterweight Bout
Jason Fawcett vs. Marco Romeo

Australian Super Welterweight Championship
Koen Mazoudier vs. Dominic Molinaro

6 Round Light Heavyweight Bout
Paulo Aokuso vs. Shukhrat Abdullaev

4 Round Welterweight Bout
Isaias Sette vs. Kya Sparks

*information subject to change

[amwsnw]

Dominant performance by tszyu. Jabbed well, guard up most of the time. A good comeback fight, still a way to go but won every round and busted Anthony up.

[amwsnw]

I love it, Michael Zerafa giving tszyu advice .

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tim Tszyu Returns With Dominant Points Win Over Tough Anthony Velaszquez

Tim Tszyu boxed well and let fly with punishing combinations en route to a dominant 10-round points win over America's unbeaten Anthony Velazquez.

Two 100-90 scorecards and a 100-91 card told the story, though some were left underwhelmed that he didn't crown his much-anticipated return with a highlight reel finish before Christmas week to end a whirlwind 2025.

Former WBO junior middleweight champion Tszyu (26-3, 18 KOs) made his debut under new head trainer Pedro Diaz and threatened a stoppage, leaving Velazquez cut and bloodied during their main event at TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia.

Former IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro on commentary said Velazquez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) might've underestimated him, though there was clearly a skill disparity between them.

Embracing his new Phoenix nickname, the nine-year pro unleashed three and four-punch combinations while sharp uppercuts were his weapon of choice whenever Velazquez was pinned back against the ropes.

The visitor's trainer, Hector Bermudez, implored his charge to stop Tszyu walking him down so intently after three rounds and eventually warmed into the contest behind his left hook.

Whether to head or body, he intermittently had success whenever the 31-year-old inched closer to range, even if the punch statistics were firmly in the home favourite's favour.

Boasting a 105-39 advantage through five rounds, Tszyu could've finished it in rounds six and seven after connecting on a big right hand in the opening minute of the sixth frame.
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That punch opened up a nasty cut underneath Velazquez's left eye almost immediately as a gaping wound needed treatment in the corner, as well as a doctor's assessment between rounds.

It could've been stopped in the next stanza, though Tszyu paced himself and the Massachusetts man was able to grit his teeth through serious discomfort, finishing strong in the final few minutes.

More to follow shortly...

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Full Fight Card Results

Main card

Tim Tszyu def. Anthony Velazquez by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-91)
Sam Goodman def. Tyler Blizzard by unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 100-90)
Callum Peters def. Cody Beekin by TKO (R6)
Koen Mazoudier def. Dominic Molinaro by split decision (94-96, 97-93, 98-92)
Paulo Aokuso def. Shukhrat Abdullaev by unanimous decision (60-54, 59-55, 60-54)

Prelims

Ahmad Reda def. Wayne Telepe by TKO (R6)
Jason Fawcett def. Marco Romeo by unanimous decision (95-93, 96-92, 95-93)
Isaias Sette vs. Kya Sparks – majority draw (38-38, 39-38, 38-38)