Tim Tszyu’s plans at middleweight appear to be narrowing to two experienced former champions as he continues his move into the 160-pound division.
Following Tszyu’s unanimous decision victory over Errol Spence Jr. on July 25, focus has moved to Jermell Charlo and Erislandy Lara as the leading possibilities for his next bout. Boxing insider Mike Coppinger revealed that those two are being considered.
Neither, however, would likely be viewed favorably by fans as a popular choice. Going straight into a matchup with a 36-year-old Jermell, who has sat on the sidelines since getting outclassed by Canelo Alvarez in late 2023, offers practically zero competitive credibility.
If Tszyu lines up another aging target coming off a massive layoff immediately after beating a 36-year-old Spence, it completely changes the public narrative around his run. Instead of looking like a bold middleweight contender chasing elite titles, he starts looking like a vulture handpicking famous names at their lowest possible value.
Winning against a rusty, inactive Charlo who hasn’t secured a win in years does nothing to elevate Tszyu’s standing at 160 pounds. It just reinforces the idea that his team is actively steering clear of prime, dangerous champions.
Taking on Lara is a massive risk with very little reward. If Tszyu beats a 43-year-old, critics will immediately write it off as a soft touch. Choosing Lara over a prime WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames gives fans all the reason they need to tear down his reputation at 160 pounds.
The criticism would likely be even worse if he struggles. Stumbling against a fighter in his mid 40s completely erases whatever momentum he built from the Spence victory. It leaves him stranded with no leverage, especially after Spence looked so faded in their fight.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/30 at 2:25 PM
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