Tim ‘The Phoenix’ Tszyu will challenge WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy ‘The American Dream’ Lara on the Gold Coast, Queensland on Sunday, December 13.
Under the bright lights of the Cbus Super Stadium, former WBO super welterweight world champion Tszyu (28-3-0) will attempt to dethrone Lara (32-3-3) in the main event of one of No Limit Boxing’s most stacked cards in recent memory.
Former undisputed super welterweight world champion and American superstar Jermell Charlo is also set to return against Australian sensation Brock Jarvis.
Queensland’s own two-time world title challenger Liam Wilson is scheduled to take on Elnur Samedov for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title.
In July, Tszyu beat former unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr by unanimous decision at Afterpay Arena, a win that sent Spence into retirement. Now, alongside Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech, he goes after a world title in a second division and he chose the hardest fight available.
“This is what I live for. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him. Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters,” Tszyu said.
“This fight is about legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has produced. Becoming a two-weight world champion is the one thing he never did. That is what I am chasing, and it drives me every single day.
“Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I stopped Jeff Horn and defended my world title in Queensland stadiums and crowds and I can’t wait to feel that again. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara on the Gold Coast.”
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Lara is the reigning champion and one of the most avoided fighters of his generation. The Cuban southpaw won the 2005 World Amateur Championship, defected to the United States and became a two-division world champion.
He has held the WBA Middleweight Title since 2021, when he knocked out Thomas LaManna in the first round, and has held a version of the middleweight championship on three separate occasions since 2013. At 43, he is still the man to beat at 160.
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position, and I’m blessed to have more opportunities like this to be a world champion and defend my title,” Lara said.
“Travelling to Australia to fight Tszyu is something I’m really looking forward to. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring, especially fighting in front of his home fans. But I’ve been in big fights my whole career and I know what it takes to win at this level.
“I’m grateful to be able to showcase my skills on DAZN in front of boxing fans all around the world, and I’m going to Australia with one goal…to defend my title, put on a great performance and give the fans a fight they’ll remember for a long time.”
Watch live on pay-per-view on Main Event via Kayo Sports in Australia on Sunday, December 13. Watch live on DAZN in the USA on Saturday, December 12.
Corporate and VIP tickets on sale now | Presale and general public on sale Monday, November 9 | Register now at NoLimitBoxing.com.au for presale access
