MIAMI (AFP) — Unbeaten International Boxing Federation super welterweight world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev destroyed Tim Tszyu on Saturday, knocking the Aussie down four times en route to a third-round technical knockout in Orlando, Florida.

Tszyu, back in the ring for the first time since he fell to Sebastian Fundora in March, hit the canvas three times in the second round as Russian Murtazaliev used his powerful left hook to supreme effect.

Tszyu tried to shake off the punishment, continuing to come forward and even landing a few damaging blows.

But when he was knocked down a fourth time in the third round his corner threw in the towel at 1:55 of the round.

Murtazaliev improved to 23-0 with 17 knockouts, defending the title he won with a knockout of Jack Culcay in April.