One of the most interesting prospects in modern boxing Tim Tszyu (19-0, 15 KOs) has long been at the top of the WBO light middleweight rankings, and yesterday he received mandatory challenger status thanks to a decision by the World Boxing Organization. Despite this, the Australian may have to wait for his chance at a championship fight.
Yesterday the WBO chose between Tszyu and number two in the rankings Magomed Kurbanov (22-0, 13 KOs), whose team was targeting the number one position. In the end it was decided that the Australian - son of the legendary Kostya Tszyu - deserved the status of mandatory contender.
The question is when Tszyu will get his championship fight is rather complicated, because WBO champion Brian Castagno (17-0-2, 12 KOs) in July drew with IBF, WBA and WBC champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and soon the pair could have a rematch. However, that option isn't necessary either, as Charlo promised before the Castano fight that he would fight IBF mandatory challenger Bakhram Murtazaliev (19-0, 14 KOs) afterwards. So, if Charlo now defends against Murtazaliev, the WBO will commit Castano to a fight against Tszyu.
In his last fight this past July, Tszyu defeated Steve Spark, and in March he also knocked out tough Dennis Hogan.
