Tim Tszyu attempts to capture the WBA middleweight title when he faces boxing’s oldest current world champion Erislandy Lara on home soil next month, and should he be successful, there is one standout name on the mind of the Aussie contender. 

A former WBO super-welterweight world champion, Tszyu can become Australia’s third multi-divisional world champion if able to dethrone Lara in five weeks’ time; joining lead trainer Jeff Fenech and current IBF welterweight ruler Liam Paro in that exclusive club.

Although, 43-year-old Lara has proven himself to be hard to overcome in recent years, with ‘The American Dream’ having won by stoppage on four occasions in his five consecutive wins since moving into the 160lb division.

Despite his upcoming duel with the Cuban-born southpaw, Tszyu told FightHype that a long-awaited showdown with Jermell Charlo is his target for 2027, but maintained that a world title shot had to be his priority when the opportunity became available.

“100% [I hope to face Jermell Charlo in 2027]. It is the fight that I want, as well. I am not running away from it, I had the opportunity now to fight Lara for the middleweight world title and that is more important for me, right now.

“But, Charlo is like a bucket list [fight] and we both need to figure it out.”

“Me and Charlo, after a world title win, is massive. But, I am not overlooking anyone, I am just focussed straight on Lara.” 

Tszyu will look to build off a career-best win over Errol Spence Jr and maintain his record of being undefeated in Australia, when he faces Lara on Saturday, December 12.