Tim Tszyu is predicting Jermell Charlo will come straight after his WBO super welterweight title after losing the biggest fight of his life next Sunday, while also stressing the American “doesn’t stand out” in comparison to boxing’s other unified world champions.
After a month spent training and sparring in Las Vegas, Tszyu will be back in Australia next week to begin final preparations for his world title blockbuster against American Brian Mendoza on the Gold Coast, October 15.
Already WBO interim champion, the undefeated Sydneysider will be promoted to regular champion on Sunday week – with Charlo set to be stripped the moment he walks out to face Canelo Alvarez for all four of his super middleweight straps.
Boxing: Canelo vs Charlo SUN 1st OCT 12PM AEDT | Tszyu vs Mendoza SUN 15th OCT 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
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Speaking with Fox Sports Australia before heading home, Tszyu not only backed Charlo to lose against Alvarez in the upcoming Las Vegas showcase – which takes place on the same day as the NRL Grand Final – but also suggested the vanquished Texan will then come chasing his old strap.
The fighter also suggested Charlo did not stand out when compared against fellow undisputed stars like Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Devin Haney, and would be “whooped” if he tried picking a fight with Crawford instead of him.
“Charlo will be coming back to this division,” Tszyu said when asked for a prediction on the Alvarez fight.
“And he has to come back down if he wants to be undisputed again.
“I feel like Canelo, he’s just a different monster.
“Too big, and too strong.
“Plus, Charlo has been out of the ring, on a honeymoon.
“And compared to the other undisputed world champions, he doesn’t stand out to me.”
The TAB currently has Alvarez at $1.24 to defend his four straps against Charlo, who is far wider at $4.
Palmerbet, meanwhile, has Alvarez at $1.30, with Charlo $3.80.
Asked about the bout, Tszyu said he has “big respect” for Alvarez, who he expects to retain gold but suggested it could go to decision.
“Because I think Charlo will move around and Canelo will chase him,” Tszyu said.
“Canelo chases, chases, chases while Charlo moves, moves, moves.
“It could actually go to points, man.”
So what of Charlo having already suggested that, regardless of the outcome, he could go after a showdown with Crawford next?
“Crawford whoops him,” Tszyu grinned.
“Charlo’s mind is all over the place.
“I really don’t know about him.
“Rather than calling people out, he needs to fight.
“And I’m glad he is at least now finally doing that for the first time in a year-and-a-half.
“Right now too, it’s an interesting time for the 154 pound division.
“The names are getting bigger and bigger, a few boys are (talking about) coming up … it’s a good time to be here.”
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Tszyu was initially slated to fight Charlo way back in January, however the champ busted his hand in a sparring accident just before Christmas.
The pair were then due to throw down a second time before the American then shocked the boxing world by signing a deal to fight Alvarez.
In the meantime, Tszyu has gone and claimed the WBO interim title against Tony Harrison, defended against Mexican Carlos Ocampo, and now faces Mendoza – who is himself the WBC interim champ and coming off consecutive upset KOs.
Despite losing his chance to take all four belts at once, Tszyu said he was happy to now collect them in whatever order was necessary before moving up himself.
“I’ve been in this weight class for seven years,” he said. “Since age 21.
“So eventually my career has to go in a different direction.
“That’s why I want to achieve what I can now, fight the best out there, and then move on to the next goal.
“Right now the focus is Mendoza and, from there, when the next opportunity arises — probably February or March.
“For me, three or four fights a year, that’s plenty.
“I want to be a champion who fights.
“That’s the goal, man … keep fighting, keep improving.”
