By Matt Lieberman: Tim Tszyu has made the official mandatory challenger by the World Boxing Organization for WBO junior middleweight champion Brian Castano.
The move by the WBO puts #1 challenger Tszyu (19-0, 15 KOs) in a position where he could soon be facing Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) or possibly Jermell Charlo.
If the WBO orders the Castano vs. Tszyu fight, we’ll be seeing them battle it out unless there’s an exception given to Brian to allow him to rematch IBF/WBA/WBC 154-lb champion Charlo in a rematch.
Castano fought Charlo last month on July 17th in a fight that was scored a controversial 12 round split draw in San Antonio, Texas.
Not surprisingly, many boxing fans were stomping mad at the results of that fight, as they had Castano winning a decisive decision. What the fans didn’t realize is how difficult it is to defeat a fighter like Charlo when he’s fighting in his home state of Texas.
It’s a huge step up for the 26-year-old Tszyu, and it’s unclear whether he’s ready for this type of elite-level fighter like Castano.
With Tszyu’s power, he’ll certainly be dangerous for Castano, but the Argentinian fighter has fought many fighters with similar power and he’s never had a problem.
Moreover, the difference between the deep amateur background that Castano had compared to Tszyu, who has been learning on the job as a pro, is tremendous.
One thing that Tszyu has going for him is that Castano is coming off a grueling fight with Charlo last July, and that might have taken something out of him.
If Tszyu fights Castano now, he’ll have a chance of winning, but it would still have to be viewed as a longshot.
It might be better for Tszyu to wait until Castano and Charlo fight a rematch before he challenges for the WBO belt. Those two will likely fight another war, and Tszyu can wait on the sidelines and fight the last man standing.
Tim Tszyu’s recent wins:
- Steve Sparks – TKO 3
- Dennis Hogan – TKO 5
- Bowyn Morgan – TKO 1
- Jeff Horn – TKO 8
- Jack Brubaker – TKO 4
Tszyu is the son of former light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu, who was one of the best fighters in boxing from 1998 to 2005. Like his dad, Tim Tszyu has heavy hands and can really punch.
The difference between the two is the size. Kostya was a lot smaller than Tim, and he fought in the 140-lb weight class.
“Tim Tszyu has been officially named WBO Super Welterweight Mandatory Challenger (WBO Super Welterweight World Champion is Brian Castaño),” said @julianisjulius.