The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has set a deadline of September 30th for Jermell Charlo, the IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion, to defend his title against mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu. Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) has been battling a slow recovery from a broken left hand, while Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) must first successfully defend his WBO interim 154-lb title against Carlo Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) on June 18th at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Australia.
The WBO’s order piles pressure on both fighters, particularly 32-year-old Charlo, who has been unable to compete since his victory over WBO junior middleweight champion Brian Castano in May 2022. Some fans speculate that Charlo is taking his time returning to the gym, enjoying the fruits of his success and avoiding the grueling preparation required for a bout against a dangerous opponent like Tszyu.
Tszyu's promoter George Rose emphasized the high stakes for his fighter, stating, “It’s massive. It’s the news we’ve been waiting on but again highlights just how big a risk Tim’s fight next month on the Gold Coast is.” He cautioned that if Tszyu loses, “it’s over. No Charlo, no undisputed, no nothing.”
With Charlo enjoying a slight advantage due to his current break from the ring, the pressure is now on Tszyu to triumph in his upcoming fight against Ocampo. As Rose put it, “Sunday, June 18 has just become a whole lot bigger. The stakes couldn’t be higher. His shot at undisputed depends on it.”
Image Credit: DAZN