Tim Tszyu Challenges Jermell Charlo to a Unification at 154
After defeating tough junior middleweight challenger Brian Mendoza (22-3, 16KO), WBO champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (24-0, 17KO) wasted no time in challenging the unified champion, Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (35-2-1, 19KO).
The Aussie has firmly stepped out of the shadow of his Hall of Fame Inductee father, Kostya Tszyu. His ascent to full champion status came after the WBO decided to strip Charlo of his undisputed status.
Hungry to prove he’s the best in the division, the WBO champion expressed his desire to face Iron Man during the post-fight interview.
“Charlo, where are you at? Where you at, buddy?”
“In his deluded head, he probably thinks he’s going to beat me. Come get it, come get it . . . he is the best at 154, but let’s prove to everyone who is the king of the division.
See you all in Vegas.”
Fate intervened to delay a showdown between the two rivals when Charlo suffered an injury, putting the fight on hold. He later pursued a bout with the undisputed super middleweight champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Tszyu’s quest for the undisputed crown may have to wait, as the IBF has ordered Charlo to defend his title against Bakhram Murtazaliev.
As we head into 2024, the junior middleweight division seems poised for another undisputed showdown as these two fierce rivals are on a collision course.
