Stakes raised in Vegas for Tim Tszyu who will have to surrender his world title belt if he loses to Keith Thurman – even though it’s a non-title bout
- Australian boxer Tim Tszyu fights Keith Thurman in Las Vegas
- If Tszyu loses, he will have to give up the WBO super welterweight title
- Tszyu, 29, is targeting a fight against welterweight king Terence Crawford
Australian boxer Tim Tszyu will lose the WBO super welterweight title when he loses to American star Keith Thurman in Las Vegas this month – even though it is not an official title fight.
The upside for Tszyu is that if he wins, a dream fight against undisputed welterweight king Terence Crawford will likely follow.
Tszyu (24-0) was awarded the WBO title in 2023 after former champion Jermell Charlo was stripped of the title – before the Australian defeated Brian Castano to retain it in October.
Main event host and boxing identity Ben Damon tweeted the development involving Thurman on Friday.
“The WBO has raised the stakes,” Damon said. “With the ruling that Tszyu will be stripped of his world title if he loses the non-title 155-pound fight with Thurman.”
Australian boxer Tim Tszyu will be stripped of the WBO super welterweight title if he loses to American Keith Thurman in Las Vegas this month – even if it is not a title fight
The advantage for Tszyu is that he wins against Keith Thurman (photo left) on March 31. A fight against undisputed welterweight king Terence Crawford will likely follow.
It is understood that WBO president Paco Valcarcel is happy that Tszyu will fight Crawford if he triumphs in Sin City on March 31 (AEST) – but also knows that a potential clash between Thurman and ‘Bud’ Crawford would appeal to many boxing fans.
The stunning development also makes Tszyu’s Las Vegas debut even bigger as he looks to extend his undefeated career record of more than eight years.
In 2023, he won many admirers after beating Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo and Mendoza.
Thurman (30-1-1) has fought just once in the past four years, which has kept him out of title contention, but his fearsome reputation means he remains one of the biggest threats to Tszyu’s impressive record of service.
In January, Team Crawford trainer Bernie Davis labeled Tszyu as “the most attractive” option for his fighter – an indication that Kostya Tszyu’s son is making an impression on the people who matter in the sport.
Tszyu also recently confirmed that talks between his camp and Crawford’s have already begun.
“There have been discussions between us,” he told Fox Sports. “And I give Crawford all the respect. He will fight anyone.
“And that’s why I see him as a great challenge…but I also see him as beatable.”