Keith Thurman and Tim Tszyu have both broken their streaks of matches without a win, each securing victories by stopping their opponents in Australia. Rumors have been circulating recently, and now it seems these super-welterweight competitors are on a path to fight each other.
Tszyu, with a record of 25 wins and 2 losses (18 by knockout), has recovered from two consecutive losses by defeating Joey Spencer this past weekend. Thurman, boasting a record of 31 wins and 1 loss (23 by knockout), has announced his readiness to sign for a fight with Tszyu. Thurman is eager to return to Australia and halt the local fighter`s ambition to reclaim a top position in the 154lb division.
Thurman was initially set to end a two-year period of inactivity by challenging for Tszyu’s WBO world title in March. However, he had to withdraw due to an injury. Sebastian Fundora stepped in as a late replacement, causing an upset by defeating Tszyu, taking his first professional loss and ending his reign as champion.
Seven months later, Tszyu fought for the IBF title against Bakhram Murtazaliev but was quickly defeated within three rounds. The Russian fighter delivered a highly impressive performance in that 2024 match.
Despite this setback, Tszyu returned to winning form yesterday with a fourth-round stoppage, marking his first victory in almost 18 months upon fighting again in his home country. Thurman also recently ended a three-year absence from the ring with a third-round victory over Brock Jarvis in Sydney last month.
Consequently, a match between Thurman and Tszyu is widely anticipated for the summer. Thurman, a former unified welterweight champion, quickly used social media to call out ‘The Soul Taker’, informing the Australian boxer that he is prepared to sign the fight contract immediately.
“Congratulations Tim Tszyu! I see you dealt with your warm-up fight, and I dealt with mine. I finished my opponent in three rounds, you in four, and I`m still hungry,” Thurman stated.
“Send the contract! I promise to sign it tonight. I will come to Australia and give you a great fight. Let`s make it happen!”
On the undercard of Tszyu`s fight, Koen Mazoudier, with a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw (5 knockouts), won the Australian super-welterweight title by defeating Dan Hill on points. Mazoudier then called for a rematch with Tim’s brother, Nikita Tszyu, who is undefeated with 10 wins (8 knockouts). This potential fight could be added to the Tszyu-Thurman undercard.
