Tim Tszyu is licking his chops at the thought of becoming a two-weight world champion and, in doing so, equaling the achievement of head coach Jeff Fenech.
The only other Australian to have tackled this feat is Liam Paro, who dethroned Lewis Crocker for two-division glory in June.
Tszyu, meanwhile, became the WBO super-welterweight champion in 2023 and is now set to face Erislandy Lara for the WBA title at 160lbs.
The showdown is expected to take place on Australian soil in late November, following Tszyu’s successful middleweight outing against Errol Spence Jr earlier this year.
It was certainly a faded version of the American but, even so, Tszyu looked strong at the new weight and was able to emerge with a clear unanimous decision triumph.
As for the 31-year-old’s next opponent, Lara is currently boxing’s oldest reigning world champion at 43 but, despite his age and lack of activity, is still considered a highly-skilled technician.
This is something Canelo Alvarez swiftly discovered in 2014, when he edged a split decision despite many feeling that Lara had done enough to win their encounter.
Regardless of the opponent, though, Tszyu has taken to social media and expressed his excitement to challenge for the WBA title.
“There’s certain fights that just feel a bit different, and feel a bit more special to announce.
“And this is it – this is a career-defining, legacy-defining moment. To be fighting for the second world title, and especially the fact that I’m fighting back in Australia … it’s special. It’s a historic opportunity for myself. There’s only ever been two Aussie boxers who have [become a two-weight world champion].”
Tszyu went on to describe this upcoming event as the biggest boxing card in Australian history – bigger, even, than the bill he topped against Spence in July.
