By: Sean Cross
Jermell Charlo will defend his undisputed junior middleweight title against high-profile contender Tim Tszyu on January 8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be broadcast live on Showtime. Although Thursday’s official announcement was long overdue, it’s good to see a big fight in early 2023. In the year He knocked out Brian Castano last spring after fighting the man back in a super-heavyweight fight in the summer of 2021.
Now, in the first defense of his elusive crown, Charlo will face an undefeated opponent who will gain name recognition that is part of boxing’s legacy. The son of former junior welterweight fighter Kostya Tsiyu, the younger Tsiyu holds a record twenty-one wins with zero losses. With all but six of his fights going the distance, there’s no doubt that Tsui knows how to finish a show early, which makes his fight with Charlo especially impressive.
“I’m excited to be back in the ring to defend my undisputed crown,” said Charlo. “Thank you for everything I have done, but the battle is not over. Tim Tzu is a young, hungry, aggressive fighter but I’m pound for pound the greatest. I reign as the undisputed champion and if anyone wants a shot at the crown they should see me. I’m not going anywhere. I want all my fans to tune in because it’s still Leon’s time and I plan to light up Las Vegas and show the world that I’m the most dangerous fighter in the sport, no matter what.”
The challenger was happy and confident knowing that there was a time and place for him to meet Charlo in the ring. It’s going to be a great fight as none of us know how to take a step back and we’re swinging with very bad intentions from the start. “I am preparing to fight a bloody battle because I know it is him. I’ve been grinding for months and am in the best shape of my career. The foundation was laid in Australia and Thailand, but I’m here in America now to take it to the next level, which is what it takes when you’re fighting for a world championship.
