In a shocking turn of events, Australia’s Tim Tszyu may have to wait until 2025 for another shot at a world title after the WBO announced that US superstar Terence Crawford could be next in line for their super welterweight crown. The WBO revealed that Crawford’s planned August bout against WBA champ Israil Madrimov will be sanctioned as a WBO interim title fight, potentially delaying Tszyu’s rematch with Sebastian Fundora.
Tszyu, who recently suffered a bloody split decision loss to Fundora in Las Vegas, was eagerly anticipating a rematch with the sidelined fighter. However, with Crawford now in the mix, Tszyu’s hopes for a quick rematch may be dashed. The news comes as Tszyu’s younger brother Nikita prepares to defend his Australian super welterweight title against Danilo Creati in Sydney.
Both Team Tszyu and No Limit were pushing for a rematch with Fundora, but the fighter’s promoter has suggested that the bout may have to take place in America, rather than Australia as initially discussed. Despite accepting the fight on short notice and battling through a nasty head cut, Tszyu may have to wait even longer for a chance at redemption.
With Crawford potentially facing Madrimov in the near future, Tszyu’s path to a world title shot has become even more uncertain. As the boxing world eagerly awaits confirmation of the Crawford-Madrimov fight, Tszyu and his team will have to regroup and strategize for the road ahead.