Jermell Charlo Makes First Undisputed Defense Vs. Tim Tszyu

Jermell Charlo is defending his undisputed junior middleweight crown for the first time.  

Charlo will face top contender Tim Tszyu on January 28 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.  

Charlo has been taking over the division, most recently conquering Brian Castano for the second time, settling a hard-fought draw back in the summer of 2021. The younger Charlo twin dominated Castano by knocking him out.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring to defend my undisputed crown,” Charlo said.

“I’m thankful for everything I’ve accomplished, but the battle isn’t over. Tim Tszyu is a young, hungry, aggressive fighter but I’m a pound-for-pound great. I reign as the undisputed champion and if anyone wants a shot at the crown, they gotta see me.  

“I’m not going anywhere. I want all my fans to tune in because once again, it’s Lions Only time and I plan to light up Las Vegas and show the world that I’m the most dangerous fighter in the sport, regardless of division.” 

Tszyu, the son of former junior welterweight champion Kotsya Tszyu, has been calling for a shot for a while now. 

After Charlo-Castano fought to a draw, Tszyu was next in line, but ultimately agreed to step aside and allow the two to have a rematch. Instead, he recorded a unanimous decision win against Terrell Gausha in March – a card that Charlo-Castano were supposed to have their rematch, but Castano suffered an injury, forcing the bout to be pushed back to May. 

“It’s going to be a great fight as neither of us know how to take a backward step and are going to be swinging from the start with very bad intentions,” Tszyu said.  

“I’m preparing for a bloody war as I know he is too. I’ve already been grinding for months and I’m in the best shape of my career. The groundwork was laid in Australia and Thailand but I’m here now in the U.S. to take it to the next level, which is exactly what’s needed when you’re fighting for the undisputed championship of the world.”