Tim Tszyu in massive development against US boxing great amid big Michael Zerafa news
Tim Tszyu is set to headline the March 31 card in Las Vegas taking on US star Keith Thurman.
Australian WBO super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu will face American star Keith Thurman in Las Vegas, with rival Michael Zerafa also set to fight for a world title on the same card. According to reports out of the US, the Vegas card on March 31 will see both Aussie's challenge for world boxing glory.
ESPN boxing journalist Mike Coppinger took to X on Thursday to reveal Tszyu will headline against Thurman on the card, which is the first of a new Pay-Per-View deal between Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Amazon Prime. Boxingscene reports WBA middleweight champ Erislandy Lara will face Zerafa in a long-overdue bout.
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Thurman represents Tszyu's biggest test to date, with the American returning from an almost two-year layoff. The US star holds a record of 30-1, with that sole loss being to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
Thurman is a former holder of the WBA and WBC welterweight titles and has been sidelined as a result of multiple injuries since beating Mario Barrios by decision. He is ranked No.2 in the welterweight division behind Terence Crawford. Should Tszyu be able to pass the test of Thurman, he is expected to get a shot at the undisputed champ Crawford.
Terence Crawford's trainer views Tim Tszyu as next challenger
Earlier this month Crawford’s trainer Bernie Davis said the Australian was the "most attractive" option for the welterweight king. Davis believes Tszyu is the "right one" to challenge for the title due to his "spectacular" wins in 2023 – against Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo and Brian Mendoza.
"This guy, Tszyu, is coming off a big win, beating (Brian) Mendoza," Davis told MillCity Boxing. "Tszyu has got the country Australia behind him and has been looking good technically. He's been looking better every fight and he's got the (WBO) belt. I think that would be (ideal to fight Tszyu)."
But Crawford is a world champ in three weight divisions and the reigning WBA super-welterweight holder is also eyeing a shot at Mexican Canelo Alvarez, who has held world titles in four weight classes. "We (Crawford) want to move up and still make history and still have something to get up for," Davis said.
Michael Zerafa gets his title shot
After waiting for the best part of a year, Zerafa will finally get his world title shot. The PBC initially were working towards a fight between the champ and former two-division titlist Danny Garcia, with the Aussie told he would get the shot at the winner last year.
But the fight never happened and therefore they have moved to give Zerafa a shot. The Aussie has not fought since November 2022, winning by decision against Danilo Creati in Sydney.
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