Tim Tszyu’s next fight could be in the United States but not for Brian Castano’s WBO super-welterweight crown.
Castano’s manager confirmed the Argentine champion is in negotiations for a rematch with American Jermell Charlo, with the clash reportedly set to take place in February or March.
Speaking after his 12-round unanimous decision win over Takeshi Inoue, Tszyu said he would ideally like to fight for the title next with February mooted as a possible date.
The 27-year-old was reportedly set to earn as much as $2 million to fight Castano but he’ll now have to wait, although he could still make his US debut in his next fight according to News Corp.
It’s understood Tszyu could fight as a co-main event on the potential Charlo-Castano card and has been linked with possible fights with Americans Tony Harrison and Terrell Gausha.
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There’s also the option of Tszyu taking on either Harrison or Gausha in Australia as he waits for Castano.
However, the situation could change entirely in Tszyu’s favour, if the IBF demands Charlo defends his belt against mandatory challenger Bakhram Murtazaliev.
That would put plans for a rematch off and would force Castano to turn his attention to fighting Tszyu.
Castano’s manager Sebastian Contursi told News Corp the Argentine fighter stayed up until 1am to watch Tszyu take on Inoue and said it was “inevitable” his charge would face Tszyu at some point — but confirmed a rematch with Charlo is being prioritised.
“We are in talks about getting the rematch with Charlo, that is what the boxing world wants to see, so that is our priority. But we know we will meet Tim in the ring eventually.”
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