This time six months ago it seemed destined that Terence Crawford would challenge Tim Tsyzu for a super-welterweight world title, until the latter made a costly mistake. However, it appears as though the 154lb showdown could finally take place, as Tszyu’s goal of becoming a two-time world champion is now within touching distance.
Crawford was expected to utilise his position as WBO welterweight champion and force himself as a mandatory challenger for what was then Tsyzu’s WBO super-welterweight title, although, first the Aussie was going to defend his strap against Keith Thurman – who pulled out of the contest through injury.
The man who replaced Thurman was the unconventional Sebastian Fundora who is appropriately nicknamed as ‘The Towering Inferno’ due to his distinct 6’5” frame. Despite the obvious differences between facing Thurman and Fundora, Tsyzu accepted the challenge on short-notice and with the aid of a sizeable cut in the early stages of the fight, Fundora was able to pull off a shocking upset and claim Tszyu’s belt.
Ever since, Tszyu has been linked to a rematch with Fundora and a showdown with the hard-hitting Vergil Ortiz Jr. but injuries hampered both potential bouts.
Meanwhile, Crawford opted for the WBA route and outpointed Israil Madrimov at the weekend to become a quadruple champion in what can only be described as his toughest test to date. Now, ‘Bud’ seeks unifications in a bid to become the first three-weight undisputed champion of the four-belt era and thankfully for Tsyzu – he is still in the title picture, after being ordered to fight IBF champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev.
The IBF has now ordered a fight between Tszyu and their champion, Bakhram Murtazaliev and in an interview with ESPN, ‘The Soul Taker’ declared that a scrap with the Russian has been ‘a long time coming’.
“It has been a long time coming. The first time me and Bakhram was first discussed was before the Tony Harrison fight, straight after the [Jermell] Charlo withdrawal. I knew about him a long time ago. I’ve had my eyes on him, and it’s good that he’s got the title now.”
However, without the pulling power that comes with being a world champion, Tsyzu’s manager George Rose admitted that the event is unlikely to be staged Down Under, but told Sporting News that it would make little difference to his fighter
“Ideally for us, we love fighting in Australia, there’s nothing more exciting than a Tim Tszyu fight in Australia.
“It would be great if we could have that but I think the most likely outcome would be that it will end up in the USA.
“Murtazaliev is the champion and he holds the cards. I know that they were very interested in having it in the USA.
“That’s not something that we’re fussed about. We’ve had plenty of experience over there and it’s just part of the journey for Tim and the No Limit team.”
As unifications affairs await ‘Bud’ Crawford, Tsyzu is now well poised for a mouthwatering meeting with the arguable pound-for-pound number one, but Crawford has plenty of other options on the table.
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