Jermell Charlo confirms Tim Tszyu fight is next, venue talks ongoing

Jermell Charlo says Tim Tszyu will be his next opponent, with the location still under discussion. The announcement points to a meeting between the former undisputed super-welterweight champion and an Australian coming off the biggest win of his career.

Charlo has rejected the idea that a fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr is being arranged. He said he had spoken directly with Al Haymon and that the focus was instead on finalising where he will face Tszyu.

The bout would mark Charlo’s return after a long absence. He has not fought since September 2023, when he challenged Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight championship. Charlo was previously the undisputed champion at super-welterweight.

Tszyu enters the proposed fight with three consecutive victories in Australia. His latest win came against Errol Spence Jr, who later announced his retirement. That result followed Tszyu’s second knockout loss to Sebastian Fundora in their rematch for the WBC super-welterweight title last year.

The 31-year-old has since made changes around his preparation, appointing Australian boxing great Jeff Fenech as his lead trainer. Tszyu had also outlined plans to move permanently to middleweight and was being linked with a challenge against WBA champion Erislandy Lara.

A meeting with Charlo could therefore change the direction of Tszyu’s campaign before any move to 160 pounds. It would also give Charlo an opportunity to restart his career against a fighter who has rebuilt his position through three home victories and a major win over Spence. For now, the venue remains the main detail still to be settled.