SYDNEY — Tim Tszyu has confirmed his next bout will be against Erislandy Lara for the WBA middleweight title, with the contest expected to take place on Australian soil in late November. The 31-year-old is aiming to secure two-weight world champion status, a feat only achieved by two other Australian boxers in history.
Tszyu, who previously held the WBO super-welterweight title, enters the match following a unanimous decision victory over Errol Spence Jr earlier this year. His opponent, 43-year-old Lara, remains the oldest reigning world champion in the sport and is recognised for a technical style that famously challenged Canelo Alvarez in 2014.
“There’s certain fights that just feel a bit different, and feel a bit more special to announce,” Tszyu stated on social media. “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.”
Tszyu has described the upcoming event as the largest boxing card in Australian history, surpassing the scale of his July encounter against Spence. The Australian is currently working under the guidance of head coach Jeff Fenech as he prepares for the challenge.