Tim Tszyu’s decision to appoint renowned Olympic coach Pedro Diaz has sparked intense debate within the boxing community. Despite criticisms labeling the move a mistake, Tszyu’s management team has staunchly defended the choice, challenging detractors to “show us your resume.” This declaration comes amidst a logistical setback, as a key member of Tszyu’s team faces visa complications, grounding him ahead of the anticipated bout.
Fox Sports Australia reports that a crucial figure in Tszyu’s corner, expected to arrive from the United States and Serbia, will now be absent due to unforeseen visa issues. This unexpected development means that Tszyu’s entourage for the fight night will likely include his close friend and personal chef, Omar Iferd, who recently found himself in a verbal spat with Tszyu’s opponent, the undefeated American Anthony Velazquez.
Visa Issues and Corner Adjustments
The visa complications have led to a reshuffling of Tszyu’s corner team. Serbian assistant coach Stefan Hubert, who was supposed to join Tszyu in the final days leading up to the fight, remains in Serbia due to delays in visa processing. Consequently, Tszyu has brought in Khalil ‘Killa’ Saab, one of his early amateur coaches, to assist with preparations.
Meanwhile, Diaz and cutman Osvaldo Nordelo are scheduled to make a last-minute arrival in Sydney after attending to WBC cruiserweight contender Noel Mikaelyan. The absence of Hubert is a setback, but Tszyu’s camp remains confident in their revised strategy.
Criticism and Defense of Pedro Diaz
Amidst these logistical challenges, Tszyu’s choice of Pedro Diaz as his coach has been met with skepticism. Hector Bermudez, Velazquez’s head coach, has criticized Diaz, suggesting he is more suited for amateur training and questioning his track record in professional boxing. Bermudez also criticized Tszyu’s decision to part ways with longtime coach Igor Goloubev, arguing that there are numerous U.S.-based coaches better suited than Diaz.
“How can anyone question the credentials of Pedro Diaz? He’s coached more than 20 world champions and over 20 Olympic medallists,” Tszyu’s manager Darcy Ellis defended. “Unless you’ve trained over 20 world champions, I’m not sure you’re qualified to question his worth to Tim Tszyu.”
Ellis emphasized Diaz’s extensive experience and success, countering Bermudez’s critique by highlighting Diaz’s impressive resume and the positive impact he has already had on Tszyu’s training.
Tszyu’s Path to Redemption
Following three consecutive championship losses, Tszyu is determined to reclaim his standing in the boxing world. The upcoming fight against Velazquez, who boasts a knockout ratio exceeding 80%, is seen as a pivotal moment in Tszyu’s career. Despite the challenges, Tszyu remains focused on proving his capabilities in the ring.
At a recent media event, Ellis addressed concerns about Tszyu’s choice of opponent, emphasizing that Velazquez represents a significant challenge that could propel Tszyu back into title contention. “Tim is a throwback fighter and always wants the biggest challenges,” Ellis stated. “Velazquez brings the resume for that, making him the perfect test for where Tim is at.”
Future Prospects and Family Ties
Beyond his immediate fight, Tszyu has dismissed the idea of a rematch with Tony Harrison, the American he defeated for the interim WBO super welterweight title. However, Tszyu did not rule out the possibility of Harrison facing his younger brother, Nikita, should Harrison overcome Michael Zerafa in a January bout.
“That would be interesting,” Tszyu remarked on The Punch Podcast. “Nikita is a rangy fighter, and Harrison is a really good boxer. It would be a really good fight.”
As Tszyu prepares for his showdown with Velazquez, the presence of his grandfather Boris, with whom he has never lost a fight, adds a sentimental layer to the event. Despite the hurdles, Tszyu’s camp remains optimistic about the fight and confident in the changes they have made.
The unfolding drama surrounding Tszyu’s coaching decisions and team adjustments underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny that accompany his quest for redemption. With the fight against Velazquez looming, all eyes are on Tszyu to see if he can deliver a performance that silences his critics and reignites his career.
