Tim Tszyu return locked in for Australia in September title eliminator

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Tim Tszyu
(No Limit Boxing)

Tim Tszyu's return has been locked in, with the former WBO super welterweight champion set to fight on Australian soil again on Sunday, September 22.

The Sydneysider's opponent is still to be confirmed, although the IBF will be sanctioning the bout as a world title eliminator.

The winner will be mandated to fight undefeated Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev, who has held the title since he defeated Jack Culcay in April.

MORE: Legendary Jeff Fenech record could be smashed as Aussie phenom's world title shot confirmed

Who will Tim Tszyu fight next?

Among the likely names are American pair Erickson Lubin and Jesus Ramos, as well as Xander Zayas and Culcay.

An announcement confirming who Tszyu will face is expected to come from the IBF soon, while organisers are still working with state governments to lock in the location within Australia.

It gives the 29-year-old a clear path back to a world title after he was relieved of his by Sebastian Fundora back in March.

Making his Las Vegas debut, Tszyu accepted a late-notice change of opponent to the towering southpaw after Keith Thurman was ruled out through injury.

An accidental elbow caused a massive cut on Tszyu's head at the end of the second round, pouring blood into his eyes and forcing him to fight severely impaired for the remaining 30 minutes.

In the end, Fundora took home a split-decision victory, as well as Tszyu's WBO title and the vacant WBC belt.

Fundora, who suffered a broken nose in the win, hasn't fought since but is expected to defend his titles against Errol Spence in Dallas in October.

Following Thursday's announcement, Tszyu and his younger brother Nikita are set to jet off to the US to complete their preparations for their respective fights.

Nikita is set to defend his Australian super welterweight title against Koen Mazoudier on August 28, with that location also to be confirmed shortly.

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Tom Naghten is a senior editor for The Sporting News Australia.
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