<h2>Tszyu’s Career on the Line Against Velazquez – Three Round Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/boxing/grade-a-fights/tim-tszyu-v-anthony-velazquez-9863365">Tim Tszyu faces Anthony Velazquez in Sydney</a> on Wednesday night in what legendary trainer Johnny Lewis calls a career-defining fight.</p> <p>- &nbsp; After three losses in his past four bouts, the former world champion must deliver a dominant performance or consider retirement.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Tszyu has overhauled his training team, linking with renowned coach Pedro Diaz who has trained 21 world champions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Career on the Line for Former Champion</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The stakes couldn't be higher for Tim Tszyu as he enters the ring against Anthony Velazquez, with legendary boxing trainer Johnny Lewis delivering a stark ultimatum: win or retire.</p> <p>The 31-year-old Sydney fighter has endured a devastating 18-month period that has seen his world championship dreams crumble through three heavy defeats in his past four contests.</p> <p>Tszyu's recent struggles began with his first career loss against Sebastian Fundora in March 2024, followed by a brutal three-round knockout at the hands of Bakhram Murtazaliev seven months later.</p> <p>The pain continued when Fundora dominated their Las Vegas rematch in July, leaving the Australian's reputation in tatters.</p> <p>Lewis, who guided Tim's father Kostya Tszyu to world-title glory including the undisputed super lightweight crown in 2001, believes this Wednesday night clash represents the most important fight of the younger Tszyu's career.</p> <p>"A loss of any description would be disastrous for Tim," Lewis warned.</p> <p>"If he doesn't win, he will have to find something to do in life. This is now the most important fight he has ever had. He is not fighting for a world title – he is fighting for his career."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Mental Battle Beyond Physical Contest</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The boxing Hall of Fame trainer has identified concerning signs beyond Tszyu's ring performances, particularly his recent media comments where he declared "I'm not good, I'm great." Lewis views this as false bravado masking deeper confidence issues.</p> <p>"Tim needs to pull his head in with a few of his comments," Lewis stated bluntly. "Look, there's mental issues there with his confidence. I think Tim is talking the way he is because he has some question marks and doubts."</p> <p>The veteran trainer, who developed six world champions throughout his career, emphasised that Tszyu must demonstrate dominance against the unbeaten Velazquez (18-0-1). A lacklustre points victory won't suffice for a fighter attempting to resurrect his standing in the super lightweight division.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>New Training Approach Under Pedro Diaz</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Recognising the severity of his situation, Tszyu has made dramatic changes to his preparation, dismissing his entire training team and aligning with Pedro Diaz, the renowned coach who has guided 21 fighters to world championship success.</p> <p>However, Tszyu insists he won't undergo a complete stylistic transformation under his new mentor.</p> <p>"Everyone thinks I will change, but I won't change my style," he explained. "To change your style takes years and years of instinct in your head. I will be more refined."</p> <p>The Australian boxing scene desperately needs Tszyu to rediscover his championship form. Lewis stressed the broader implications: "Australian boxing needs Tim Tszyu winning. Our sport needs him to be a world champion again."</p> <p>For Tszyu, Wednesday night represents more than just another professional contest – it's potentially his final opportunity to prove he belongs among the sport's elite performers.</p> <p>With his career hanging in the balance, the former world champion must deliver the dominant performance that has eluded him throughout his recent struggles.</p>