Tim Tszyu has not been surprised by Jermell Charlo’s decision to fight Canelo Alvarez.
The bout will see the two undisputed champions put everything on the line at 168 lbs for Canelo’s titles on September 30th, 2023.
And in doing so, Charlo will be moving up two weight classes from 154 lbs. However, by doing such a thing, Charlo has avoided his mandatory Tszyu.
The latter is the WBO interim champion, who was scheduled to face Charlo in January. However, a hand injury resulted in the fight being called off followed by Charlo’s decision to face Alvarez.
However, Tszyu understood that Charlo would secure a bigger payday and retain his status as undisputed at 154 lbs regardless of the result.
“[Jermell] had one last fight in him because he was going to lose. So he took the one with the bigger pay. He’s a businessman.
“[Jermell Charlo could come inside] the ring [versus Canelo] as the champion, but then right there, he is not the champion [at junior middleweight] anymore. If we strip Jermell of his title, Tim Tszyu becomes the full champion,” Tszyu stated
Meanwhile, Tszyu’s promoter, George Rose, had a mixed reaction towards Charlo’s decision to fight Canelo.
“[My reaction to the Canelo-Charlo news was the] same as the rest of us: ‘F…’. Initially, that’s what it was. Obviously everyone is disappointed because we’ve all been hanging out for this fight for two years.
“But I also understand Charlo’s decision. And put in the same position, I think everyone choses the Canelo fight. Because it’s an iconic fight; and the biggest money fight. It’s a chance for Charlo to make history, change his life. And what’s his alternative? Go and lose all four belts against Tim Tszyu,” Rose
The chances of a bout happening may depend on the result of the Canelo-Charlo fight. A victory for Charlo will most likely result in a rematch.
In contrast, a loss may detract Charlo from jumping into a fight with Tszyu straight away. Therefore, the American’s next steps post-Canelo are not that clear.