‘No. 1 reason why he’s here’: Boxing boss drops big Tim Tszyu announcement

American Keith Thurman takes on an Aussie boxing prodigy this week in a fight that could shape the future of both Tszyu brothers.

Matthew Sullivan

4 min read

March 11, 2025 - 2:43PM

Huge announcement on Tim Tszyu's next challenge

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A former boxing world champion is tipping Keith Thurman to take care of business against Brock Jarvis on Wednesday night and set up a showdown with Tim Tszyu.

Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) will take on Jarvis (22-1, 20 KOs) at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night and is the favourite to beat the 27-year-old Australian.

Thurman vs Jarvis | WED 12 MARCH 7PM AEDT | Australia’s Brock Jarvis will take on former Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in a blockbuster event at the Hordern Pavilion. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

It’s Thurman’s first fight in three years and it comes a year after he was due to fight Tszyu but pulled out at the last minute due to injury.

Jarvis and his longtime trainer Jeff Fenech have parted ways recently — the Australian boxing legend didn’t have a say in Jarvis going up several weight classes to take on a two-time world champion who has only lost to Manny Pacquiao.

Tszyu takes on undefeated American Joey Spencer in Newcastle on April 6, and if he wins, a long awaited with clash Thurman is on the cards.

Two-time world champion Shawn Porter said all roads point towards Thurman taking on Tszyu later this year.

“I think it makes sense,” said Porter, who will be part of Main Event’s commentary team.

“I think it’s the No. 1 reason why Keith is over here fighting right now. It’s an opportunity to get in the ring with Tim Tszyu. I think that’s what’s next for Keith, and should Tim get past Joey Spencer, that should be what’s next for him as well.

Keith Thurman (left) and Brock Jarvis (right) at the weigh-in. Photo: No Limit Boxing/Gregg Porteous

“I think they are really trying to give a premonition of what’s to come later on this year.

For Keith, he’s got to look spectacular.

“It’s got to be more than boxing Brock — it has to be hitting Brock hard and putting Brock on the canvas multiple times. If he does what we’ve seen from him in the past, he puts Brock on the canvas and Brock doesn’t get up.

“That’s the type of fight that would make Australia go, ‘Tim’s got something tough ahead of him’. Both these guys are set up to get the winner of Tim Tszyu vs Joey Spencer, which everybody expects to be Tim.”

Tszyu started his career with a 24-0 record but suffered two tough losses in 2024 to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev which left his career at a crossroads.

No Limit boss George Rose announced at Tuesday’s weigh-in: “If Keith Thurman wins this fight he will fight Tim Tszyu in his next fight.

“If Brock Jarvis wins this fight, he will fight Nikita Tszyu (10-0) in his next fight.

“Tim is very much zoned in on Joey Spencer because it’s a massive fight for him,” Rose said.

“We’ve got Keith Thurman out here fighting and the fact we’re going to bring him back for another fight after this, should he beat Brock Jarvis, I’m stoked for that.”

“Brock and Nikita, I think it’s a great match-up for Australian boxing.

“A big win over Keith Thurman here, him (Jarvis) and Nikita next.”

Tim Tszyu has a couple of big fights in his sights this year. Photo: Brett Costello

Porter, who lost to Thurman back in 2016, is predicting Thurman to win via decision.

“Keith has certainly come over here and made quite a spectacle,” Porter told news.com.au

“It’s super big that Keith has come over here and given the fans something they want to see on fight night.

“I’m expecting Keith to be a really good boxer and use his lateral movement and get Brock off balance and land something big on him.

“I’d like to see Brock use his jab and work his way in, but that’s not something I’ve seen in the past. He doesn’t strike me as much of a jabber.

“I think Keith boxes his way to a decision. Keith may want to hold back on that big power until he gets in the ring with Tim.”

Shawn Porter (right) is tipping Keith Thurman to beat Brock Jarvis (left).

Jarvis has previously fought at super lightweight but has gone up weight classes for a bigger challenge.

“He’s tall enough to do it, he’s big enough to do it,” Porter said.

“I think one thing when you’re transitioning to another weight class, you have to consider nutrition and the regimen side of boxing.

“Most guys don’t know how to gain weight and build muscle, and most guys don’t know how to lose weight and maintain muscle. He could well be at a small deficit because naturally he’s a smaller guy even though he’s tall and he’s got big shoulders.

“Or it’s very possible he’s been tricking us all this time and squeezing into lower weight classes. I think he’ll fit pretty well at 154 pounds because of his height and range.”