Tim Tszyu, a 154-pound titleholder, will face former 147-pound champ Keith Thurman at a catch weight of 155 pounds on pay-per-view March 30.
Premier Boxing Champions first pay-per-view show under its new deal with Amazon’s Prime Video will feature several big names.
WBO 154-pound titleholder Tim Tszyu is scheduled to face former 147-pound champ Keith Thurman at a catch weight of 155 in the main event, Premier Boxing Champions announced on Thursday. The WBO reportedly refused to sanction the matchup as a title fight.
It will be the highest profile fight in the career of Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs), who emerged as a star after victories over Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo and Brian Mendoza last year.
“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,” said Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu.
“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.”
Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) hasn’t fought since February of 2022, when he easily outpointed Mario Barrios. That was his only fight in four-plus years.
“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.”
Also on the March 30 card, 140-pound beltholder Rolando Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) will face Isaac Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs).
Romero won the vacant WBA title by stopping Ismael Barroso in nine rounds last May. Cruz is best known for a strong performance in defeat against 135-pound beltholder Gervonta Davis in 2021. The Mexican has won three consecutive fights since then.
“This is gonna be Rolly versus the Chihuahua in the ring on March 30. I’m gonna stay world champ and be the first superstar on Prime Video,” said Romero, who was stopped by Davis in 2022.
Said Cruz: “I’ve worked extremely hard to earn this shot. I’ve tried to fight other big names, but Rolly was the only one to step up and accept the challenge.
“He’s got power and courage, and he comes to knock you out. That’s going to make this a great fight on March 30.”
Sebastian Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) and Serhii Bohachuk (23-1, 23 KOs) will face off in a battle of 154-pound contenders.
Fundora, who is 6-foot-5½, will be trying to bounce back from a seventh-round knockout loss to Mendoza last April. All of Bohachuk’s victories have come by knockout. He was stopped himself by Brandon Adams in 2020, after which he has reeled off five straight wins.
And WBA 160-pound champion Erislandy Lara (29-3-3, 17 KOs) will take on Michael Zerafa (31-4, 19 KOs).
Lara, who has fought only once a year since 2019, was last in the ring in May of 2022. Zerafa also hasn’t been particularly active, having last fought in November 2020. He has four consecutive victories since he lost a decision to former 147-pound champ Jeff Horn in 2019.
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