Undefeated Aussie boxer Tim Tszyu could potentially fight for some form of the WBO super welterweight next year, as injured opponent Jermell Charlo might have belt taken away.
Tszyu, 28, was scheduled to fight for the super welterweight world title in Las Vegas on January 28 against Charlo, but the American broke his hand in two places while sparring at his gym in Houston on Christmas Eve.
The trash-talking Texan claimed that even with one hand he would have still beaten the Aussie, but the doctors and boxing commission wouldn’t allow it to go ahead.
Undefeated boxer Tim Tszyu (pictured) could potentially fight for some form of the WBO super welterweight next year, as injured opponent Jermell Charlo might have belt stripped
Tszyu, 28, was scheduled to fight for the super welterweight world title in Las Vegas on January 28 against Charlo (pictured), but the American broke his hand in two places while sparring at his gym in Houston on Christmas Eve
Charlo posted photos of the broken hand and a medical certificate detailing the injury, after some fans on social media accused him of faking injury so he wouldn’t have to face the hard-punching Tszyu, who has 15 knockouts to his name.
Now, Fox Sports Australia reports that the WBO has demanded further proof of the unified champ’s broken hand and a ‘detailed medical explanation’ of the injury and recovery prognosis.
Charlo (pictured) posted photos of the broken hand and a medical certificate detailing the injury, after some fans on social media accused him of faking injury so he wouldn’t have to face the hard-punching Tszyu, who has 15 knockouts to his name
Charlo had been given five days to comply with the order – and could potentially have the WBO strap stripped if he doesn’t.
Tszyu is the mandatory challenger for WBO belt and would likely face dangerous American Tony Harrison for the newly vacated title.
Harrison has already requested to fight the Aussie, and many fans think the two will meet in 2023, even if it isn’t for a vacated WBO belt.
Tszyu is the mandatory challenger for WBO belt and would likely face dangerous American Tony Harrison (pictured in gold trunks) for the newly vacated title
Tszyu has been out of the ring for nine months, and his manager Glen Jennings has indicated that he will be looking for a replacement bout and continue training in the US until they’ve found an opponent.
‘You all know Tim can’t sit around waiting, so we are exploring all options for a fight asap. Tim is disappointed, but focused still on what comes next,’ said Jennings.
‘He’s a fighter, he wants to fight, so waiting for Charlo recovery is not an option…until then training continues in USA.’
Tszyu (pictured) has been out of the ring for nine months, and his manager Glen Jennings has indicated that he will be looking for a replacement bout and continue training in the US until they’ve found an opponent
Another likely contender for Tszyu is formidable Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev who is ranked No.1 with the IBF and No. 4 with the WBO. The unbeaten fighter believes both Charlo and Tszyu will not step in the ring against him, however.
‘Both of them are scared to fight with me,’ he told Boxing Scene. ‘The winner is going to vacate the title.’
Jennings has stated that Tszyu is still focused on the showdown with Charlo, whenever that takes place.
Glen Jennings has stated that Tszyu (pictured) is still focused on the showdown with Charlo, whenever that takes place
‘Tim will be ready for Charlo once he’s cleared for undisputed and Tim will be even more determined to bring all 4 belts home,’ he said.
When the bout is rescheduled with Charlo, Tszyu will attempt to become the first Australian boxer in the 18-year four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion.
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