TIM TSZYU has moved on from the disappointment of not securing a fight against Jermell Charlo.
For months the Australian super-welterweight has been chomping at the bit to get his hands on the divisional champion. During his wait Tszyu’s frustrations have succesfully been taken out on Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo.
During the final days of June leading into July Charlo’s brother Jermall had emerged as the front-runner to face Canelo Alvarez in September. The American took the tag from previously rumoured opponent Badou Jack (cruiserweight).
An unexpected twist arrived when it was revealed ‘Mall would not be ready to face the Mexican. So, instead his twin brother stepped in and will pile on 14lbs to fight the number-one super-middleweight on September 30 in Las Vegas.
Jermell is still in possession of all four belts from the 154lbs division but during a media call on Wednesday Tszyu, the WBO mandatory challenger, expects the champion to be stripped.
“I feel like once he gets into the ring (against Canelo) he will be stripped straight away,” he said.
“I think that fight’s undisputed v undisputed … it’s the marketing part of the fight and we all know that’s how this boxing game works.
“But I will be the WBO world champion (afterwards) – 100 per cent, guaranteed.”
Tszyu 23-0 (17) explained how he found out about the news that Jermell would be facing Canelo ruining the chances of ‘The Soul Taker’ getting his hands on Charlo.
“I was at home, saw it on Instagram and thought ‘nah, they’re taking the p… aren’t they?’,” he revealed.
“Then I went to Canelo’s page, and it said undisputed versus undisputed. I thought ‘what?’
“Straight away, I called to my manager, nobody picks up. So, I call to the promoter, and they explain, then my manager explains. I was in a state of shock. Couldn’t believe it. But after a few days of that anger, I moved on.
“When one door closes another opens, and I’m 100 per cent positive there are bigger things on the horizon than little Charlo.”
The 28-year-old is now itching to get his hands on someone and by the sounds of things may be soon known as the ‘Hitman’ rather than his current moniker.
“I’m going to be like John Wick, call me John Wick from now on.”
Tszyu, who plans to move to middleweight eventually, has a list of targets which now include Brian Mendoza, Errol Spence Jr, Gennadiy Golovkin and one more.
“Now I’m even angry at Canelo,” he said.
“He took what I wanted. Now he is part of that list as well.”