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American world champion dismisses Tszyu

3 minute read

American Jermell Charlo says he has no interest in fighting Tim Tszyu, claiming the Australian doesn't deserve a shot at the world light middleweight title.

TIM TSZYU.
TIM TSZYU. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Jermell Charlo has rubbished Tim Tszyu's claims for a world title fight, saying the "big homie" Australian isn't in his league.

Tszyu, unbeaten in his 18 bouts, is hoping to lure Charlo to Australia for a unification mega-fight if the American beats Argentine Brian Castano in New York on July 17 to add the WBO light middleweight belt to his WBA, WBC and IBF straps.

In the meantime, Tszyu will continue to "keep busy" with a showdown with big-talking compatriot Michael Zerafa in Newcastle on July 7.

But the 26-year-old is chomping at the bit to get a shot at the division's international superstars after seeing off a string of Australian rivals during his rapid rise to prominence.

Charlo, though, says Tszyu will be waiting a while despite Tszyu's camp from No Limit Boxing being open to the idea of shelling out $10 million to bring the American to Australia.

"Listen, look nobody ever send me no 10-million contract or none of that. First off Tim 'Kostya' Tszyu is not on a level to even fight for a world title," Charlo said on his Ringside with the Lions YouTube page.

"He ain't even on the level to fight some of the guys that I've knocked the f*** out of' and he ain't even going to get no chance to fight me, probably throughout my career.

"I'm just being honest with you.

"Ten million sounds great, yes. I would love to take that, but Tim, sorry big homie, you ain't getting that chance to fight Charlo cause Charlo got some other plans.

"I'm the champ. I'm the unified champ. I'm going to be the undisputed champ."

Tszyu said he'd been equally underwhelmed watching Charlo's fights.

"There's a few other styles that could be tougher. I don't rate Charlo as high as he is right now," Tszyu said on the new episode of The Main Event Boxing Podcast

"He's never in total control of a fight. He's got power which is very lucky."

Tszyu ranks Jarrett Hurd, Magomedov Kurbanov, Tony Harrison and Jeison Rosario above Charlo.

But he does expect Charlo to beat Castano by decision in their July unification bout.

Tszyu also welcomes reports that former champ Danny Garcia is stepping up to super welterweight, saying: "I've got him the bag."

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