The WBO is due to make its decision on Tim Tszyu’s mandatory status within days but another sanctioning body has opened up a potential path to a world title for the undefeated Sydney fighter.
While Tszyu is in contention for a shot at WBO champion Brian Castano’s belt, being the No.1 contender, the sanctioning body could opt for the Australian to fight an eliminator bout with second-ranked contender Russia’s Magomed Kurbanov (22-0, 13KO). The winner would then face the Argentine who is coming off a split draw with WBC, WBA, and IBF champion Jermell Charlo.
However, the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman seems to have plans for Tszyu as well. The Australian, who is ranked No.3 by the sanctioning body, is held in high esteem by Sulaiman, the son of former World Boxing Council president Jose, who hinted of future plans for Tszyu.
In an interview with KO Boxing Show, Sulaiman confirmed the Sydney star could be handed an elimination fight with the winner to fight Charlo (34-1-1).
“I believe Tim is one of the upcoming superstars. He’s got talent, he’s got great charisma, great name – legacy. But also he can perform in the ring. He’s good. He’s got speed, he’s got power,” he said.
“I see him as a potential world champion in the near future. We have him ranked number three. There are talks about doing some fights – elimination fights – and potentially becoming a challenger for the championship and he has our full support.”
Other fighters ranked above the 26-year-old Australian in the WBC include American Erickson Lubin (24-1-0) and Spaniard Sergio Garcia (33-0-0). Lubin’s only loss came to Charlo in 2017, while Garcia has only ever fought outside of Spain once. A fight with either contender would certainly test Tszyu.
Tszyu’s promoter No Limit told Wide World of Sports the son of legend Kostya will fight in November with a venue and opponent to be determined once the WBO makes its decision.
A bout with champion Castano is in the pipeline but it’s likely the Australian will have to fight out an eliminator bout for either sanctioning body before he can fight for a world title.
It’s understood Castano is desperate for a rematch with Charlo after their contentious draw, opening up a clash with No.2 contender Russia’s Kurbanov.
Tszyu’s stock on the international scene is rising, and it’s clear Sulaiman wants to witness the Aussie’s “evolution” among the world’s best.
“His father is a legend,” he added. “The WBC has always been very close with Konstantin (Kostya) Tszyu. My father had a great relations with him and we cannot wait to see the evolution of Tim who is making great inroads in the boxing world.
“I take this opportunity to send Tim my respect – my admiration. It is not easy to follow the steps of a successful father.
“For him to be following the steps of a great, legendary champion it’s additional admiration and I’m very proud of him.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!