The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has given Jermell Charlo until September 30th to defend his junior middleweight belts against mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu.
For Tszyu to challenge Charlo for the titles, he must first successfully defend his WBO interim 154-lb title against Carlo Ocampo on June 18th in Broadbeach, Australia.
The WBO’s deadline puts pressure on Charlo, who has been slow to heal from a broken left hand he sustained last year, as well as on Tszyu.
Since his win over Brian Castano in May 2022, Charlo has been inactive, and his titles have been frozen as a result.
Although it is not uncommon for Charlo to fight only once a year, the WBO appears unwilling to let him remain inactive for much longer.
Some fans believe Charlo is uninterested in fighting Tszyu and prefer to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle his money has provided, including living in a Houston mansion and driving fancy cars.
Tszyu’s promoter George Rose said, “If Tim’s loses, it’s over. No Charlo, no undisputed, no nothing.”
If Charlo and Tszyu fight, it will be a significant event for the junior middleweight division and the sport as a whole.