Tim Tszyu could be stripped of his WBO world title, should the Australian boxer lose his non-title bout with Keith Thurman.
The 29-year-old will square off with the American later this month in Las Vegas, but his junior middleweight crown will not be up for grabs for Thurman.
However in a shock twist, the organisation has reportedly threatened Tszyu, despite the bout not being sanctioned for the belt.
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Tszyu (24-0) was awarded the WBO title last year after former champ Jermell Charlo was stripped, before the Aussie went on to defeat Brian Castano and retain it in October.
Main Event presenter and boxing insider Ben Damon tweeted the news on Friday.
“The WBO has raised the stakes,” Damon said.
“With the decision that Tszyu will be stripped of his world title if he loses the 155 (pound) non-title fight with Thurman.”
The WBO is yet to confirm that claim.
https://twitter.com/ben_damon/status/1763370903126286508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thurman (30-1-1) has fought just once in the past four years, ruling him out of title contention, but poses one of the biggest threats to Tszyu’s unbeaten career record.
Earlier this week, WBO president Paco Valcarcel revealed plans for Tszyu to defend against Terence Crawford – but the new stakes for his March 31 fight could place those plans in danger.
Tszyu and No Limit are yet to address the new stipulation.