‘Let’s see if he accepts’: Tim Tszyu calls on Erickson Lubin as date for his long-awaited return is confirmed

Tim Tszyu hasn’t fought since his bloody defeat in March, now his long-awaited return to the ring has been confirmed, with Tszyu set to take on IBF world title eliminator on home soil.

Tim Tszyu is back in action in Australia in September. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Tim Tszyu has called on Erickson Lubin to stop running and sign the contract as the Aussie plots his rapid return back to a world title.

Tszyu will make his long awaited comeback to the ring on September 28 in an IBF world title eliminator in Australia.

An opponent and location haven’t been confirmed, but Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are all in a battle to win hosting rights.

In his first fight since his bloody defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March, a victory in September will see Tszyu lock in a blockbuster bout with IBF titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev.

And ‘The Soul Taker’ wants that world title fight before the end of the year.

Tszyu hasn’t fought since his brutal defeat to Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas in March. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Lubin is considered the clubhouse leader to fight Tszyu in September, but it’s understood the 28-year-old doesn’t want to travel to Australia for the fight.

The pair were initially slated to fight earlier this year, before the American pulled out of negotiations.

“A lot of people talk the talk but when it’s up to getting it done, they go the other way, running,” Tszyu said on Thursday.

“We’re the two main boys in the division in the IBF so I hope we can get it on. Let’s see if he accepts.

“It’s real simple. I just want to fight. I want to get it on.”

Tszyu revealed to this masthead in June that he wants to fight twice more before the end of the year, and says talks are already underway behind the scenes to face Murtazaliev.

Tszyu will be eyeing up a fight with IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. Picture: Hannes P. Albert

“I’ve gotta get this fight done, then it’s Bakhram next. I’ll take him out,” Tszyu said. “It’s happening, it’s all lined up – Bakhram at the end of the year in the US.

“Back-to-back. I live and breathe this sport, so there’s no resting for me. I think he’s keen on it, and that’s an interesting fight.”

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose confirmed Lubin is the number one target, but the American still needs convincing to travel to Australia.

“There’s no hesitation from our side, we want the fight and Tim wants the fight, but it’s a scary fight for Lubin,” he told this masthead. “You’re up against the uncrowned king of the 154-pound division.

“To be able to convince anybody to fight Tim, it costs a bit extra and he’s in that seven figure stratosphere. That’s where Tim is now.

“It’s a very costly process when you’re at this level and fighting the quality of opponents Tim is.

“The expense of it all is into the tens of millions.”

Erickson Lubin is a legitimate boxing star. Picture: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Rose also confirmed No Limit is already looking ahead to world title fights for Tszyu in the future.

“We’re absolutely working on fights, and absolutely, the belt is in his sights,” Rose said. “There’s four belts out there and we’re focused on all four of them.

“We’re working on making all four of them happen, and making them happen as soon as possible.”

As for a venue for the September bout, Tszyu says he’s keen to fight somewhere he has never fought before.

“Melbourne’s the sporting capital of Australia, so I’d love to fight there,” he said. “Especially when Nikita fought there last year too. At Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic wins all his Grand Slams.

“We’re just keeping the momentum rolling, not sitting on the sideline. We control our own destiny.”