Tim Tszyu will challenge Erislandy Lara for the WBA middleweight title on Australian soil, though promoters have yet to confirm the date, venue, city, or broadcaster for the bout.
The matchup marks Tszyu’s return to championship action following a unanimous decision victory over Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney last July. That win pushed his record to 28-3 with 18 knockouts and extended his current streak to three fights.
Tszyu has elected to remain at the 160-pound limit rather than drop back to super welterweight.
“At 160 I feel strong, I feel sharp and I feel dangerous. Middleweight is my division now. Spence was just the appetiser,”
Tszyu said in the official announcement.
Tszyu Targets Championship in Second Division
Tszyu previously held the WBO super welterweight title. Toppling Lara would add a middleweight crown to his résumé and make him the first member of the Tszyu family to capture world championships in two weight classes.
His father, Kostya Tszyu, unified the junior welterweight division and won every world title of his career at 140 pounds.
“I’ve carried the Tszyu name my whole life. It’s a privilege and it’s pressure. This is my chance to write a chapter that belongs to me, and it’s the legacy defining moment of my career,”
Tszyu said.
Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech will work Tszyu’s corner for the title challenge. The former three-division champion joined the team in April 2026 and oversaw the Spence victory.
Lara Brings WBA Belt to Australia
Lara enters with a 32-3-3 record and 19 knockouts. The Cuban southpaw claimed the WBA “Regular” middleweight belt in 2021 before being elevated to full champion status in 2023.
The 43-year-old has recorded four successful defenses and has never been stopped as a professional. He also previously held WBA titles at super welterweight.
Lara’s championship experience and southpaw craft present a stern test. Tszyu will look to impose his pressure style and body attack with the backing of a home crowd.
Promoters expect to announce the date, location, ticket information, and broadcast details in the coming weeks.