Tim Tszyu's 2024 has been filled with setbacks after two consecutive defeats for the first time in his career.
The 30-year-old Australian entered the year with high expectations given his undefeated status and lethal performances to date.
However, a split-decision loss to Sebastian Fundora in March, followed by an October stoppage defeat to Bakhram Murtazaliev in Orlando, has left Tszyu fighting against critics who now question his standing at super welterweight.
The Australian spoke to reporters on Thursday, opening up about his mindset after what has been a challenging year in the ring
"I still feel like I belong at the top level... when you take on the very best in the division you're going to expect to get hit, honestly man it was just one shot," said Tszyu.
"The thing I learned about myself was, no matter what, I still get up."
Reflecting on the technical aspects of his two recent losses, Tszyu admitted that he's not eager to bring back those memories by rewatching his performances. In fact, he's even avoided watching famous bouts involving his father, the legendary Kostya Tszyu.
"I've never watched my dad's fight, the Ricky Hatton fight back. I've never watched the Fundora fight back. So I'm not really expecting to watch this one back either," he said.
For Tszyu, the decision to not revisit those fights is part of his personal process of moving forward.
"It's not a feeling I want to relive again. I sort of just brush it on past and move on to the present and future," he said.
Tszyu remains unfazed in the face of disappointment, already eyeing the future, intent on showing the best version of himself and reclaiming his place amongst the divisions elite.
"I'll be back fighting under the biggest and brightest lights possible. In all honesty, when I reflect and look back at the year, I got to fight at T-Mobile arena, I got to fight on the biggest stages of them all so I improved as a fighter," he said.
Being the son of an Australian boxing icon, Tim's toughness and resilience has never been doubted.
In his epic fight with Fundora, which is widely regarded as one of the best fights of the year, he showcased his unbreakable will in what was a brutal, bloody affair.
He now is going to be required to prove his resilience once again as he attempts to get back on the horse in 2025.
