Tim Tszyu is reportedly set to enter a major title fight next month, bidding to become a two-division world champion at 160lbs.
The Australian has decided to remain at middleweight following his last outing, against Errol Spence Jr, which resulted in a unanimous decision victory on home soil.
While many had anticipated a more competitive affair in July, it ended up being largely one-sided, with Tszyu winning convincingly and sending his opponent into retirement.
In doing so, the 31-year-old claimed his most significant win since 2023, when he outpointed Brian Mendoza for the WBO super-welterweight title following back-to-back stoppages of Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo.
Tszyu would then suffer stoppage defeats to Bakhram Murtazaliev and Sebastian Fundora, but now looks to join the world title scene at 160lbs.
According to Fox Sports, he is expected to return in late November and face WBA champion Erislandy Lara, who has not fought since scoring two knockdowns and unanimously outpointing Johan Gonzalez last December.
Prior to that, the Cuban retained his middleweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Danny Garcia and, at the age of 43, is currently the sport’s oldest reigning world champion.
At his best, Lara is a highly-skilled southpaw with deceptive power but, due to his age and lack of activity, is rarely mentioned as one of boxing’s leading pound-for-pound operators.
Tszyu could therefore dethrone the 40-fight veteran in Australia next month, with Jermell Charlo reportedly set to feature on the undercard after having not fought since his wide points defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2023.
