Tim Tszyu, the current junior middleweight champion, weighed in at 153 pounds, a pound below the limit, for his upcoming title defense against Brian Mendoza. Mendoza, hailing from Albuquerque, matched the junior middleweight limit exactly, coming in at 154 pounds. Their anticipated 12-round match-up is set to take place in Broadbeach, Australia, and will be broadcasted by Showtime in the U.S. on Saturday night. Additionally, Australian fans can catch the action on Kayo Sports pay-per-view on Sunday afternoon.
This bout marks Tszyu’s first defense of the WBO junior middleweight title. Formerly the interim champion, Tszyu was elevated after Jermell Charlo, the previous titleholder, moved up in weight to face super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. In Tszyu’s recent outings, he defeated ex-WBC champion Tony Harrison and overwhelmed Carlos Ocampo. His scheduled fight with Charlo was called off earlier due to Charlo’s injury.
On the other hand, Brian Mendoza comes off a remarkable victory, earning the WBC interim super welterweight title by defeating Sebastian Fundora. Despite being behind on the scorecards, Mendoza’s exceptional counter left hook caught Fundora off guard, leading to a stunning knockout in the seventh round.
The event will also feature Sam Goodman versus Miguel Flores in a 12-round featherweight match. Both fighters weighed in at 124¾ pounds. Goodman, in his last fight, secured a victory against American Ra’eese Aleem at the same venue where he’s set to face Flores.
Image Credit: No Limit Boxing