Tim Tszyu is embarking on a new chapter in his boxing career, enlisting the legendary Australian fighter Jeff Fenech as his mentor following a series of disappointing results, with only one win in his last four bouts. This significant change comes after Tszyu decided to part ways with his old team, which he felt was holding him back. The reshuffle took less than a week, with Fenech joining Darcy Ellis, son of boxing icon Lester Ellis, and Mike Altamura to form a new support team.
The decision to bring in Fenech was unexpected, considering the former boxer has been one of Tszyu’s harshest critics, particularly pointing out the inefficacy of Tszyu’s previous team following his fight against Sebastian Fundora, where he labelled them “clowns.” Fenech’s comments about Tszyu’s potential being “wasted” under their guidance resonated with the boxer, prompting his desire for a fresh start.
Last week, Tszyu publicly announced his intention to incorporate new faces into his training regime to evolve into a “mature” fighter. In a video shared on Instagram, Tszyu expressed his commitment to redefining his approach: “I’m coming in with the mentality that this is my 2.0… After my last loss, I felt like I needed a change with a different game plan.” He is optimistic that this transformation will lead to a significant turnaround in his performance.
With a professional record of 25 wins and three losses, Tszyu emphasised that his decision to leave his former team wasn’t based on any particular incident, expressing gratitude for their contributions. He acknowledged the foundational role his former coach Igor played in his early career but felt that a change was necessary at this juncture. Tszyu reassured fans, “Tune in and watch because you are going to witness something.”
Altamura, who joins as a matchmaking strategist, reinforced the benefit of fresh perspectives, stating, “Sometimes you need a bit of a freshen up and a different mentality… that is where I can make an impact to ensure he makes a good pathway back to reaching all his goals in the sport.”
As Tszyu steps forward with renewed hope and confidence, he is set on making his mark in boxing anew, promising that spectators will be witnesses to history in the making.