Tim Tszyu has issued a challenge to world champion Jermell Charlo, with the Australian's debut on U.S. soil drawing near.
The 27-year-old remains undefeated from 20 career fights, and is the mandated No.1 challenger to WBO champion Brian Castano.
Castano was set for a unification rematch with Charlo next month after their first bout went to a draw, but the former has been forced to withdraw due to a bicep injury. ESPN's Mike Coppinger was the first to break the news.
There may be a plan in place to reschedule the fight for May or June. Tszyu, however, has now stepped up and challenged Charlo for his world titles, with manager Glen Jennings releasing a statement on Friday afternoon.
MORE: Amir Khan’s top five wins: Ranking the British superstar's career-best moments
"So you’ve all heard the news that Brian Castano has withdrawn from the rematch with Charlo with a bicep injury, The big question that everyone is asking is where does that leave our planned co main event card for Tim," the statement said.
"We don’t have all the info to be able to make an informed decision, but together with out promotors we are working through the options and doing whatever is necessary whist waiting for the outcome. Boxing is a tricky business at best, so these things happen, injuries occur beyond our control and so you have to remain flexible and positive and work hard to ensure the best outcome for your fighter, team and fans.
"We have said all along we won’t sit and wait, we will stay busy, the titles will come in due course and so we will work our way through this and keep you all posted. We have put it out there if Castano is out, we will happily step in and take Charlo. Stranger things have happened...Tim and our team are ready to go regardless of who stands in front of him in the ring in March.
"We shall see. Thanks for all your support, we truly appreciate it. Thanks to No Limit Boxing, who now go into overdrive to sort this."
It would be a massive ask for Tszyu to step in on short notice and take on the division's leading man, but such is the confidence of the Aussie superstar.
Per Boxing Scene, Castano and TGB Promotions will now have to respond to a WBO "Show Cause" letter in order to avoid Tszyu becoming a mandatory challenger for the WBO junior-middleweight championship. Castano is willing to be examined by appointed medical professionals to confirm the seriousness of his injury.
The son of Kostya Tszyu, Tim made his pro debut in 2016. An Australian, WBO Asia Pacific, and WBO Global light-middleweight champion, Tszyu fought three times in 2021. His last bout was a unanimous decision win over Takeshi Inoue.
The fight between Charlo and Castano was originally scheduled for March 20th, with Tszyu expected to fight on the undercard.