Out of the frying pan and into the fire for Tim Tszyu as he steps closer to Vergil Ortiz showdown
A super welterweight showdown between former world champion Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) and Vergil Ortiz Jr (20-0, 20 KOs) in Los Angeles is close to being announced, ESPN reports.
The pair are set to collide on the undercard of Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who is expected to face newly-crowned WBA champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs)at 154 lbs on August 3.
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn has recently claimed that the card – spearheaded by boxing deal-maker Turki Alalshikh – is close to being finalised, with it being delivered as part of a “Riyadh Season” promotion.
Alalshikh – the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia – has also hinted at a potential venture in America, expressing a willingness to make deals with fighters who are represented by Al Haymon and the PBC.
Before his potential clash with Tszyu, though, Ortiz Jr must get past his next opponent, Thomas Dulorme, who he will face this Saturday in the chief support of a Golden Boy card at the Save Mart Arena, California.
Ortiz Jr has embarked on a path of destruction since his professional debut in 2016 and, now campaigning up at super welterweight, the American will no doubt feel ready to mix it with the very best in his division.
As for his rumoured dance partner, Tszyu comes off a controversial split decision defeat to Sebastian Fundora last month when, after he sustained a nasty cut early doors, many were questioning why the fight was not stopped.
The result saw him lose his WBO strap, which he won by outpointing Brian Mendoza towards the end of last year.
The winner will then have his eyes firmly fixed on the main event, with Madrimov set to make his maiden world title defence against former undisputed welterweight champion Crawford.