Australia’s Tim Tszyu is set to be among the first fighters to appear on a hyped new deal with American streaming giant Amazon – however it will not be on the same weekend as the NRL launch in Las Vegas.
Fox Sports understands that while promoters No Limit remain keen to have the WBO super welterweight champ fight Stateside in March – with American Erickson Lubin the most likely opponent – it will not take place on the same weekend rugby league has it’s hyped launch in Sin City.
While No Limit were initially optimistic of making the huge Aussie sporting double happen, schedules weren’t able to align.
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Tszyu will still head over to be a part of the promotion of the NRL weekend and, given he still plans to fight Stateside in the first third of 2024, will likely be deep in training camp in Las Vegas.
In big news for the champ, Tszyu will also be part of the first shows of Premier Boxing Champions on streaming giant Amazon in the US, with Main Event taking the fight in Australia.
Currently, Lubin is the clubhouse leader to challenge for the title.
The long-awaited mega fight with Jermell Charlo was being pushed, however the former undisputed champion and longtime Tszyu rival was arrested on assault charges late last year.
He is due to face court in March meaning a Tszyu-Charlo showdown in early 2024 unlikely.
Errol Spence had cataract surgery this week meaning Terrence Crawford, Erickson Lubin and Virgil Ortiz remain the potential opponents for Tszyu’s US return.
While there have been plenty of headlines around his famed ‘John Wick’ hitlist, it seems the most logical next opponent for Tszyu will be Lubin – who is ranked top five with the WBO, IBF and WBA.
In Tszyu’s division, he is ranked at No.2, behind only Josh Kelly.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia last November, No Limit’s George Rose suggested Lubin was “absolutely in the mix” to fight Tszyu, adding “there aren’t many other people in the division that would make sense for a Las Vegas fight”.
“But,” Rose added, “there are discussions with every option available”.
Tszyu lands ferocious bombs on Mendoza | 00:28
One of those new options emerged only last weekend, when undefeated American Vergil Ortiz Jnr went and called out The Soul Taker after his 20th straight KO win.
Better, Ortiz’s legendary promoter Oscar De La Hoya suggested he would even be willing to make the fight in Australia.
Tszyu also responded to the surprise call out almost immediately on social media, saying he would happily accept what he dubbed a “modern day classic” with the rising star.
After spending the best part of 18 months away from the ring due to health issues, Ortiz returned in stunning, if controversial, fashion last Sunday in Las Vegas – scoring a first round TKO over Frederick Lawson.
While the stoppage by referee Tony Weeks was considered early, the win represented the 20th straight finish for the devastating 25-year-old who De La Hoya dubbed afterwards as “the best fighter on the planet”.
Speaking afterwards, the Texan who has only just moved up from welterweight, immediately called out Tszyu for a Down Under showdown.
“Bro there’s a lot of fighters that I want to fight,” he started, talking in ring.
“And I know people would love people to see this fight so Tim Tszyu, with all respect, I would love to fight you.
“I think you’re a hell of a fighter, let’s make it happen.
“It’s all business.
“I want to fight the best.”
Later, he added: “I’ve told Oscar ‘put me in (again) as soon as you can’.
“Let’s do it.
“Let’s go tomorrow.
“This is a sport where we want to prove we’re the best, the strongest … that’s what fighters are supposed to do.
“I don’t fear anyone.
“I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
“So if we have to go to Australia, I’m down.”
Tszyu belts Ocampo in 77 seconds | 01:08
De La Hoya added: “Whatever Team Vergil wants we’ll make happen.
“We’re behind him a thousand per cent.
“Vergil is a fighter.
“One of those old school thinking fighters who, to be the best you have to beat the best.
“To be world champion, you travel the world.
“I think Vergil, right now, is the best fighter on the planet … at 154, at any weight class.
“And I strongly feel everyone is going to be searching for Vergil.
“And guess what? He’s right here.
“He made a statement … 20-0, 20 knockouts, who else has that?
“He’s the only fighter who is undefeated with 20 fights and 20 knockouts, that’s incredible.”
Responding to the challenge on X, Tszyu wrote: “Yo @VergilOrtiz Welcome to the “54 club. I’m always keen for a modern day classic”.
Rose also took to social media, tweeting: “I love it when top fighters want to travel to Australia, it’s the best country in the world. @OscarDeLaHoya. You and @VergilOrtiz are always welcome down under, @Tim_Tszyu stays ready, I’ll add this one to the list.”
