Tim Tszyu’s camp has been sensationally accused of sabotaging opponent Anthony Velazquez’s preparations for the Australian superstar’s do-or-die boxing showdown.<\/p>\n
Velazquez (18-1-0, 15KOs) finally arrived on Australian shores on Friday, giving the undefeated American powerhouse less than a week to prepare for next Wednesday night’s fight in Sydney.<\/p>\n
Follow all the action from Tszyu vs Velazquez in the ABC Sport live blog on Wednesday from 7:00pm AEDT<\/p>\n
Due to arrive last Wednesday, it is understood Velazquez was blocked from leaving Los Angeles because the name on his booking didn’t match his passport.<\/p>\n
Well aware of Tszyu’s quest for redemption after three losses in his past four bouts, coach Hector Bermudez claimed No Limit Boxing promoters had interfered with Velazquez’s departure from the US.<\/p>\n
Velazquez and Bermudez went straight from the airport on Friday to front a Sydney press conference ahead of next week’s match-up at TikTok Entertainment Centre.<\/p>\n
Asked what had happened at LA International Airport, the undefeated super-middleweight remained tight-lipped.<\/p>\n
“Whatever happened, hey, we’re here now,” Velazquez said.<\/p>\n
“They cancelled the flight. I don’t know what reason why they cancelled it.”<\/p>\n
Bermudez added: “It was probably the promotion, or some type of strategy from the promoters.<\/p>\n
“They want to get my man tired, unfocused.<\/p>\n
“He’s a young boy. The only thing that can get him unfocused is that ugly face right there [Tszyu].”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Anthony Velazquez will fight Tim Tszyu in Sydney next Wednesday. (AAP Image: Mick Tsikas)<\/p>\n
Even by boxing standards, the allegation is a low blow to the Tszyu camp.<\/p>\n
“I just know that they picked the wrong fighter [to mess with],” Bermudez said.<\/p>\n
“I know that when you’re trying to rebuild a fighter, you don’t pick a puncher.<\/p>\n
“I know my boy is ready to fight. Tim Tszyu is ready to retire. We’re going to help him out.”<\/p>\n
Tszyu (25-3, 18KOs) is desperate to return to the ring to restore his battered international reputation and start climbing the ranks again.<\/p>\n
All three defeats were world-title bouts in America, leading to Tszyu seeking new guidance from trainer Pedro Diaz.<\/p>\n