The undisputed Junior Middleweight/Super Welterweight bout was canceled after news arrived that Jermell Charlo broke his hand during a sparring session. The match was set to be held on January 28 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
Jermell Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KO’s) was slated to fight Tim Tszyu (21-0, 15 KO’s) who was named the WBO mandatory since last year – aside from being a top-rated contender on the other ranking boards. Tim Tszyu, son of legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu – known for being the first Junior Welterweight/Super Lightweight undisputed champion in the three-belt (WBA, WBC & IBF) era , who had previously expressed confidence in knocking Jermell Charlo out, will have to wait approximately two months before he is able to challenge Charlo again.
“I’m very disappointed,” Tszyu expressed. “I felt like the stars aligned for undisputed … but we move on. I’m ready to take on the next mandatory challenger. I’ll be back for Charlo once he is ready and healed.”
Jermell Charlo seemed to be similarly disappointed in the cancellation. “I was sparring, and I threw this nice punch and as soon as it landed, I knew something was wrong,” he said. “I felt my hand throbbing right away. I had two X-rays and an MRI to see what was wrong. It showed it was broken in two places.”
Charlo continued: “I hate this feeling. My hand will be in a cast for two months. I’m as disappointed as the fans, maybe more, because this was my first chance to defend the undisputed title.”
“The way I am, I would have beaten Tim Tszyu with one hand, but the doctors and the boxing commission won’t allow that. It’s even more dangerous when a lion faces adversity and has to come back to defend the pride.” Charlo explained.
“I’ve been training since July, and I’ve been hitting harder than ever, and these are the things that happen when you push yourself to the limits. After my hand heals, I’m coming back stronger than ever to defend my legacy.’’
The undisputed championship bout between Charlo and Tszyu was set to be Jermell Charlo’s first defense of his titles since becoming undisputed following his fight with Brian Castano (17-1-2, 12 KO’s).
For Tim Tszyu, his match with Charlo would not only be his first opportunity to win a world title, but also become undisputed by winning all of the available titles.
It is, as of yet, still unknown when – or if – the match will be rescheduled in 2023.
What are your thoughts on the news surrounding the cancellation of Charlo vs. Tszyu? Leave your thoughts below.
