Queensland power puncher Issac Hardman within striking distance of world-title shot against Jermall Charlo

Australian power puncher Issac Hardman is closing in on a world-title shot against Jermall Charlo, reveals PETER BADEL.

Issac Hardman is closing in on a fight with Jermall Charlo. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu is hellbent on destroying Jermell Charlo. Now Tszyu’s former sparring partner, Queenslander Issac Hardman, is within striking distance of going toe-to-toe with the other Charlo.

This masthead can reveal Hardman’s promoters No Limit are in talks for a potential world-title showdown between the ‘Headsplitter’ and Charlo’s twin brother, middleweight sensation Jermall.

But, first, the Brisbane banger (15-2, 13KO) must bludgeon fellow knockout artist Endry Saavedra (15-1, 12KO) in Fox Sports’ first Pay Per View show of the year in Wollongong on Wednesday night.

Ranked No.10 with the WBO, Hardman could surge into the top five if he disposes of Saavedra, a hard-hitting Venezuelan who fought at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has never been stopped in 16 bouts.

Former MMA fighter Issac Hardman is eyeing a world-title showdown with Jermall Charlo. Picture: Peter Wallis

Victory over danger man Saavedra would see Hardman retain the WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title and put him in the frame for a shot at ‘Hit Man’ Charlo, who is unbeaten in 33 fights.

No Limit boss George Rose confirmed he is in negotiations for Hardman to fight Charlo, the WBC World middleweight champion.

As part of the masterplan, Rose hopes to stage a world-title double header on the Gold Coast headlined by Hardman and No Limit stablemate Liam Wilson, who fights Oscar Valdez on March 30 in Arizona.

“We’re in talks with PBC (Charlo’s promoter Premier Boxing Champions for Issac to fight Jermall for the world title,” Rose said.

“That’s why this fight is so important for Issac.

“We are looking to stage a huge show on the Gold Coast that would have two Queenslanders, Issac and Liam Wilson, fighting for world titles, but both guys need to win their next fights.

“This is a career-defining fight for Issac – he probably has the hardest fight of the night.”

Hardman’s resurgence is admirable. The 27-year-old was at the crossroads after losses to Michael Zerafa and Rohan Murdock in a 12-month period that had the kid from Caboolture walking a tightrope.

Hardman’s career was at the crossroads after he lost to Rohan Murdock (pictured) last year. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

But emphatic back-to-back wins over Kazuki Kyohara and Troy Coleman last year secured Hardman a world ranking. Suddenly, he can enter world-title territory if he stops Saavedra.

“It would be a huge step up (to fight Charlo), but I’d love the opportunity,” Hardman said.

“I’m beyond the domestic scene now and this bloke (Saavedra) has come here to take me out.

“I have 13 knockouts and he has 12, so it’s fair to say someone will get ‘chinned’.

“It won’t be me.”

While Charlo is a dream world-title scenario, Rose is also lining up other opponents for Hardman, including WBC interim champion Carlos Adames (23-1) and fellow Australian Cesar Mateo Tapia, who is unbeaten in 16 bouts.

“There are genuine world-class fights on the horizon in the middleweight division for Issac,” Rose said.

“If we can’t get Charlo, the other guy we’re looking at is the interim champ Adames, so either way we are hoping to land a world-title shot for Issac.

“But it’s crucial Issac gets past Saavedra and wins this fight or it (a potential world-title bout) won’t be happening.

“This is Issac’s chance to make a huge statement.”

Originally published as Queensland power puncher Issac Hardman within striking distance of world-title shot against Jermall Charlo