Tim Tszyu lets rip at rival after 'ducking' him for Canelo Alvarez

Aussie boxing sensation Tim Tszyu has let rip at Jermell Charlo and accused the fighter of 'ducking' him after their expected title bout later this year has fallen over after the American was announced as Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's opponent. Tszyu is the mandatory challenger for Charlo's super welterweight champion belts having gone through the competition after their fight was postponed last year due to the American's hand injury.

Charlo has not fought in two years and was expected to defend his four belts against Tszyu in October. But, in a huge blow to the Aussie, Charlo will move up two weight classes and fight boxing superstar Canelo in a historic bout in September. The move comes as a shock after Charlo's twin brother, Jermall, was expected to fight Canelo.

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Over night Charlo announced he would move up two weight divisions in the first title bout ever where two undisputed fighters will fight each other in the four belt era. While the bout will be a huge money move for Charlo, it comes as a blow for the Australian who was expected to fight the American in October for all the belts.

And waking up to the news, Tszyu took a dig at both Charlo and Canelo for making the surprise match-up. Tszyu claimed Charlo was once again 'ducking' him having already pulled out of one scheduled bout between them.

And he also took a dig at Canelo and claimed the Mexican was avoiding fellow countryman David Benavidez in making the match-up. "Canelo ducks Benavidez, Charlo ducks Tszyu," he wrote on Instagram.

Boxing world reacts to Tim Tszyu snub

Fans also reacted with shock over the announcement with ESPN's Mike Coppinger admitting it would be hard for Tszyu to hear the news having remained active in an attempt to chase down the title fight with Charlo.

"Certainly can't fault Jermell Charlo for accepting the biggest fight - and payday - of his life, but have to feel for Tim Tszyu," he wrote.

Canelo has been widely accused of ducking two-time super middleweight champion Benavidez. The Mexican has called out Canelo on numerous occasions and reportedly offered Canelo a fight after defeating Caleb Plant.

Benavidez is Canelo's mandatory challenger at super middleweight. While Canelo has been active, Charlo has not fought since defeating Brian Castano in May 2022. Charlo knocked out Castano at 154 pounds in their title rematch, but has not fought since.

Tszyu has continued to knock down his opponent in his unbeaten 23-0 record having defeated American Tony Harrison in March, before stopping Carlos Ocampo in the first round.

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