WBO sets June 20 deadline for Tim Tszyu and Jermell Charlo to agree to world title fight
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has ordered undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo. to fight Australia's Tim Tszyu.
Tszyu is the mandatory challenger for the title, having beaten Terrell Gausha After defeating Terrell Gausha in Minnesota on March 27 via unanimous decision.
The WBO has written to both parties, advising them that they have until June 20 to reach a deal.
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"The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein the commencement of negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO Jr. middleweight mandatory championship contest," it said in a statement.
"Please be advised that the parties have twenty (20) days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement. If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a purse bid will be ordered pursuant to the WBO regulations of world championship contests."
Last month Charlo dismissed the thought of fighting Tszyu, who was knocked down early in his bout with Gausha.
"Didn't he get dropped? That motherf---er's out. He got dropped," Charlo said.
Tim Tszyu Getty
"It's different heat over here in America, baby. It's different heat in America.
"How much Tim Too, whatever his f---in' name is, how much they got? How much money they got? F--- you and Tim Kazoo, change the mic."
Charlo has repeatedly disrespected his Aussie rival, and Tszyu is completely fine with that.
It's been 21 years since his father, Kostya, stunned boxing by knocking out highly fancied opponent Zab Judah.
"This is my Zab Judah moment," Tim Tszyu told media in Sydney on Wednesday.
"This is the moment that every kid dreams of, and the best thing about it is he reckons it's going to be a walk in the park. But I guarantee it's no walk in the park for him."
Tszyu is undefeated (21-0, 15KO) while Charlo is 35-1-1 (19KO) through his career.
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