Tim Tszyu's next fight has been locked in.
The Australian take on American Keith Thurman in a non-title fight on March 30 (Mar. 31 in Australia) in Las Vegas.
The bout is set to headline PBC’s first PPV event in partnership with Prime Video, the co-main event alongside Rolando “Rolly” Romero defending his belt against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz.
“I’ve been ready and waiting to headline a historic event like this in the U.S. for a very long time and it’s an honor that I don’t take lightly,” Tszyu said via a statement.
“My father did it, and was at the top of the world for a decade, now it’s my turn.
"Thurman is a great fight, he’s tricky, tough and he’s mixed it with the very best the sport has seen.
"This is a new era now. It’s the Tszyu era. On March 30, everyone who tunes into this pay-per-view is going to see for themselves.”
Tszyu's opponent Thurman will be no easy feat though, with the veteran keen to test his young opponent in the ring.
"I’m back in action and I’m happy to be a part of this first event with PBC on Prime Video,” Thurman said.
"Tszyu stands out as an exceptional fighter, and I've always held admiration for his performances.
"His distinctive style provides the perfect stage for me to exhibit the relentless dedication I've poured into training, refining my skills, and fortifying my mental game.
"This fight promises a spectacular showdown between two of the most electrifying fighters in the sport, an event that demands attention. Good things come to those that wait. Them days are over, bright lights and action are up ahead. Let’s shake up the world of boxing one more time on Prime Video."
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When was Tim Tszyu's last fight?
Tszyu last fought in October 2023, defeating Brian Mendoza by unanimous decision.
That fight marked the 29-year-old's first defence of his WBO super welterweight title.
Tszyu's team hoped his next fight could align with the NRL's season opener in Vegas in early March, but the fight is set to take place a few weeks after the rugby league event.
When was Keith Thurman's last fight?
Thurman has not fought in over two years and will be moving up to 154lbs for March's fight.
The 35-year-old last stepped into the ring in February 2022, when he defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision.
It is not the first time he has had a significant break between bouts – he didn't fight for almost three years after suffering the first defeat of his career to Manny Pacquiao in 2019.
Will Tim Tszyu fight Terence Crawford for the WBO belt?
Crawford currently holds three of the four major belts at welterweight, having stopped Errol Spence to unify the division last July, before later being stripped of the IBF title.
With the WBO, "Bud" has been designated as a “Super Champion.”
As part of that organization’s rules, Super Champions can be installed as mandatory challenger to the WBO champion in the division above or below.
Tszyu currently holds the WBO belt at 154-pounds, having been upgraded from interim champion when Jermell Charlo was stripped of the title for opting to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez rather than defending against the undefeated Sydneysider.
While Tszyu’s belt won’t be on the line when he faces Thurman as the WBO have refused to sanction it as a title fight, a loss would certainly hurt his stocks and, according to Paco Valcarcel, see him miss out on a possible date with Crawford.
Speaking to Fight Hype, the WBO president was asked his thoughts on next month's PBC on Prime pay-per-view.
“That will be a tough fight for Tszyu because Thurman can fight,” Valcarcel said.
“On paper, you have to pick Tszyu, but in boxing, anything can happen
“The winner of that fight will have a tough cookie for his next mandatory.”
Valcercel went on to say Crawford would be visiting WBO headquarters in Puerto Rico and suggested something significant could be in the works.
“I can tell you, Crawford will be here next week,” he said.
“I’m not authorised to explain [to] you, make it public, but I have been talking to Crawford for long now.
“This is the first [interview] I’ve talked to about Crawford and the possibility of moving to 154[lb].”