‘This is the one that matters’: Tim Tszyu looks ahead to world title challenge
On December 12 at the Cbus Super Stadium in Queensland, Australia, Erislandy Lara vs Tim Tszyu headlines a Premier Boxing Champions, The Rose Brothers and TGB Promotions fight card, live on DAZN. Ahead of this world title showdown, all fighters on the card met at a launch press conference, where Tszyu spoke about the magnitude of this bout to him.
Tim Tszyu set to challenge Erislandy Lara
Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) has only fought seven times since his 2019 split draw with Brian Castano. In more recent years, he has beaten Michael Zerafa, Danny Garcia, and Johan Gonzalez. Many will remember Lara for providing Canelo with a stern test back in 2014, losing via a split decision.
Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) was undefeated and the new WBO super welterweight world champion, having comfortably beaten Brian Mendoza. After that win, his career has resembled a roller coaster, with two losses to Sebastian Fundora and a crushing defeat against Bakhram Murtazaliev. The Australian has fought twice in 2026, beating Denis Nurja, before comfortably outpointing Errol Spence Jr.
Tim Tszyu sends message to Lara ahead of world title showdown
Looking ahead as he aims to become a two-weight world champion:
“This is what I live for. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him,” said Tszyu.
“Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters. This fight is about legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has produced. Becoming a two-weight world champion is the one thing he never did. That is what I am chasing, and it drives me every single day. Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I stopped Jeff Horn and defended my world title in Queensland stadiums and crowds and I can’t wait to feel that again. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara on the Gold Coast,” added the Australian.
The Big Fight Weekend verdict: Erislandy Lara vs Tim Tszyu
Seeing Erislandy Lara fight is most like waiting for the eclipse; it doesn’t happen often, but it’s a special occasion when it does.
The 43-year-old southpaw is as awkward as they come; he operates behind his straight left to maintain the distance and frustrate his opponents. This, alongside his slick footwork, makes him a nightmare to pin down. Lara picks his spots well, punching in between his opponents’ work.
Tszyu is a pressure fighter who, under Jeff Fenech, has learned to be more patient. He carries pop in his punch and is at his best fighting on the inside, but the challenge here is how he closes the distance on Lara, who is so adept at maintaining the distance. I have no doubt he won’t stop trying, but I can’t see anything other than a Lara win, and by decision.
Featured Image Credit:
No Limit Boxing
Ricky Carroll
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.