Tim Tszyu’s IBF Title Fight at Risk Due to Hurricane Milton Impact

As Hurricane Milton lashes Florida’s coastline, No Limit Boxing and Tim Tszyu are closely monitoring the situation with the “once in a generation” weather event, which could force a venue change for his highly anticipated IBF title bout.

Tszyu is scheduled to face undefeated super welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in Orlando on October 20 (AUS time).

Milton is one of the worst hurricanes in U.S. history, with wind speeds of 390 km/h. Towns in the storm’s path have already been evacuated, and winds are predicted to reach 200 km/h when it hits Orlando, causing widespread flooding and power outages.

Australian boxing prospect Mateo Tapia, Tszyu’s friend and former sparring partner, has also been evacuated from Tampa to Miami. He is facing hurricane chaos for the second time after surviving the devastating Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.

Tim Tszyu has expressed his concerns for those affected by the hurricane:

“My thoughts are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Milton. It’s a terrible situation, and I hope everyone stays safe. At the same time, I’m focused and ready to fight, wherever and whenever we get the news. Nothing will stop me from becoming a two-time world champion.”

George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing, has provided an update on the situation:

“We’re in active discussions with the authorities in the U.S. about the potential need to relocate the event. It’s a fluid situation, and we’re taking it day by day.

“Tim is staying locked in on the task at hand, which is beating Bakhram Murtazaliev. Bakhram is an incredibly dangerous opponent, a knockout artist with devastating power. Tim knows this is going to be a tough fight, but he’s prepared for any challenge—both in the ring and outside of it.”

“We hope the damage from Hurricane Milton is minimal, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been or will be impacted by this storm. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as we can.”