Tim Tszyu’s return is now assured, with the former WBO super welterweight champion set to fight again on Australian soil on Sunday 22 September.
The Sydney native’s opponent is yet to be confirmed, although the IBF will sanction the fight as a world title eliminator.
The winner will be mandated to fight undefeated Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev, who has held the title since defeating Jack Culcay in April.
Who will Tim Tszyu fight next?
Among the likely names are the American duo of Erickson Lubin and Jesús Ramos, as well as Xander Zayas and Culcay.
The IBF is expected to announce who Tszyu will face soon, while organizers are still working with state governments to lock in a location within Australia.
This gives the 29-year-old a clear path to regaining a world title after Sebastian Fundora robbed him of his in March.
In his Las Vegas debut, Tszyu agreed to a last-minute change of opponent for the towering southpaw after Keith Thurman was ruled out with an injury.
An accidental elbow caused a massive cut to Tszyu’s head late in the second round, drawing blood into his eyes and forcing him to fight severely incapacitated for the remaining 30 minutes.
In the end, Fundora took home a split decision victory, as well as Tszyu’s WBO title and the vacant WBC belt.
Fundora, who suffered a broken nose in the victory, has not fought since but is expected to defend his titles against Errol Spence in Dallas in October.
Following Thursday’s announcement, Tszyu and his younger brother Nikita will travel to the U.S. to complete their preparations for their respective fights.
Nikita will defend his Australian super welterweight title against Koen Mazoudier on August 28, with that location also to be confirmed shortly.
