Boxing news 2023: Tim Tszyu eyes fights with Canelo Alvarez, Errol Spence and Brian Mendoza after Jermell Charlo snub

Tim Tszyu has revealed his hit-list of future opponents, saying he’s ready for a ‘John Wick’ style rampage, after missing out on a super-welterweight blockbuster against Jermell Charlo.

Tim Tszyu is moving on quickly after missing out on a fight with Jermell Charlo. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu could fight for a world title in Australia later this year, and says his sights are still set on Jermell Charlo after the American dodged him in favour of a big-money bout up two weight classes against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Canelo has also found himself on Tszyu’s hit-list as the 28-year-old says he’s chasing legacy and highlight reel fights rather than just belts.

Speaking publicly for the first time since Charlo announced his fight with Canelo, Tszyu said he’s “going to be like John Wick” with a list of names he wants to take out, including Charlo, Canelo, Errol Spence, Gennady Golovkin and WBC interim champion Brian Mendoza.

The 23-0 Tszyu was as surprised as anyone when he discovered via social media that unified super-welterweight champion Charlo was moving up to super-middleweight to fight Canelo, but has remained in the gym in the three weeks since.

Jermell Charlo hasn’t fought since his win over Brian Castano in May 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

Tszyu believes he will be elevated from interim super-welterweight WBO champion to full champion as soon as Charlo steps into the ring with Canelo, and thinks it’ll be a rough night for the American.

“He gets his ass whooped,” Tszyu said of Charlo. “If I was in his position and I got offered Canelo, I’d take it straight away as well.

“I don’t blame him, it’s just a shit go making me wait all this time. Hopefully he doesn’t retire and I can still fight him.

“Me and the whole of Australia wants to whip his ass.”

After “a couple of days of anger” Tszyu added Mexican superstar Canelo to his list of future opponents as well.

“Now I’m even angry at Canelo. He took what I wanted, now he’s part of that list,” he said. “I’m going to be like John Wick from now on. It’s a hit list.”

Canelo (R) is one of the biggest stars in the sport. Picture: Getty Images.

Despite the setbacks, Tszyu intends on staying busy, and hopes to fight in mid-October and late December, before staging “a big one” early next year.

Mendoza, who holds the interim WBC super-welterweight belt, is expected to be elevated to full champion when Charlo fights Canelo in late September. That leaves the prospect of Tszyu fighting Mendoza in a WBO-WBC unification bout, which could take place in Australia later this year.

“I’d love to unify, and Mendoza’s the interim champ of the WBC, so that’s something I’d be interested in,” he said, adding: “I think the option is to fight here (in Australia), to bring someone big here.

“It makes sense financially for all the parties. In America, it’s aired there, so they get to see it as well. There’s no problem fighting here.”

Tszyu is coming off a spectacular first round knockout of Carlos Ocampo. Picture: No Limit

While claiming the full WBO title and unifying is high on Tszyu’s list of immediate priorities, he says legacy is now his number one driving motivator.

“It’s about creating highlight reels that will live on throughout eternity, making money and making your family, friends and everyone around you proud,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

That’s the mindset that keeps potential fights with Golovkin, Canelo and Charlo’s mate, Spence – who fights Terence Crawford in less than two weeks, and who has engaged in some back and forth with Tszyu in the past – alive.

“When I came into this sport, it was belts, but my mentality has changed. Belts won’t define me,” he said.

“What will define me is the highlights and the legacy that I keep.

“Belts is part of it, but if there’s no belt, so be it. I’ll fight Charlo for no belts.”

Tszyu had some choice words for long time rival Michael Zerafa (R). Picture: Getty Images.

Tszyu joked that he’d even fight former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, who is currently training with Spence and Charlo, but there’s one fight he won’t be entertaining any time soon.

Despite the big domestic buzz it would create, Tszyu is adamant he’ll never step into the ring with his long-time rival Michael Zerafa. Tszyu took a parting shot at the Melburnian, who accepted step aside money to allow Erislandy Lara and Danny Garcia to fight in August, with the promise of fighting the winner at a later date.

Tszyu, though, doesn’t think that will be happening.

“He’s not getting a belt, and he’s not getting a title shot,” he said.

“The promoters in America don’t know what to do with the bloke. He got paid, what, 40 grand to step aside. That’s how he is, and he’s going off at me? Come on, man. Honestly.”

Originally published as Boxing news 2023: Tim Tszyu eyes fights with Canelo Alvarez, Errol Spence and Brian Mendoza after Jermell Charlo snub