WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will take on Australian superstar and former world champion Tim Tszyu on Saturday, December 12 (U.S. date and time) from Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (DAZN).
Lara will become the latest star to travel down under to challenge the power-punching Tszyu, looking to make his fifth defense of his title against the hometown hero, who can cement his own status as an Australian legend by becoming a two-division world champion.
The lineup will also include the return of former undisputed 154-pound king Jermell Charlo battling the hard-hitting Brock Jarvis in the 10-round middleweight co-main event, plus WBA Super Featherweight Champion Elnur Samedov defends his title against Australian top contender Liam Wilson in action beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
Both former world champions at 154-pounds who’ve now made their way to middleweight, the WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will welcome Tszyu to his first 160-pound world title shot as each hope to score a signature victory in this high-stakes 12-round showdown.
Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs), 43, has been dominant in his run at 160-pounds, showing off his ability to go toe-to-toe and end a fight with one punch, after establishing himself as one of boxing’s best technical fighters throughout the first part of his career. He most recently defended his title against Johan Gonzalez in December after previously delivering one of the best performances of his career as he stopped the durable former two-division world champion Danny Garcia in September 2024.
“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,” said Lara. “Traveling 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.”
The 31-year-old Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) will enter this fight off three consecutive victories, including a July triumph over former pound-for-pound great Errol Spence Jr. that saw Tszyu emerge from their clash with a unanimous decision victory. “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,” said Tszyu. “Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters. 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.”
Charlo, the former undisputed 154-pound world champion, will return to the ring for the first time since September 2023 as he looks to make a run at becoming a two-division champion, kicking off against the hard-hitting Australian contender Brock Jarvis in the 10-round middleweight co-main event.
Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) unified super welterweight titles in emphatic fashion in May 2022, knocking out Brian Castaño in round 10 of their rematch. Charlo’s most recent action saw him come up short against then undisputed 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez in their September 2023 showdown.
“I’ve heard all the talk, and now it’s time to remind everybody why Jermell Charlo is still him,” said Charlo. “I appreciate Brock Jarvis stepping up, because a lot of these so-called top guys got cold feet. They use my name for clout but get quiet when it’s time to sign on that dotted line. I’m willing to fight on a co-main event all the way in Australia because that’s how hungry I am. I’ve got so much in me and I wasn’t going to let this year end without giving my fans what they’ve been waiting for. On December 12, I’m going to show everybody why I’m the most dangerous fighter from 154 to 160 pounds. I’m coming to take what’s mine. Lions Only!”
The 28-year-old Jarvis (23-2, 21 KOs) has risen up the rankings in his native Australia ever since turning pro in 2015 as a teenager. He’s shown tremendous power throughout his time in the pro ranks, with a 15-fight KO streak following his pro debut and a current run that’s seen him earn stoppages in each of his last six victories.
“This is the fight I have waited my whole career for,” said Jarvis. “A former undisputed world champion, in a stadium, at home in Australia. It does not get bigger than this. Charlo thinks he’s coming to Australia to restart his career. I’m here to ruin his comeback.”
Leave a Reply