On September 30, history will be made in the sport of boxing. For the first time in the four-belt era, two current undisputed champions will meet in a prize fight of epic proportions. Undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo will challenge undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in Las Vegas, Nevada at T-Mobile Arena. The winner will walk away with all the major titles in the 168-pound division, but Charlo, if he losses, will not walk away with all of his titles in the 154-pound division. At the start of the contest, the World Boxing Organization will strip Charlo of his 154-pound title and elevate Tim Tszyu to the status of world champion.
“Certainly, the Undisputed vs. Undisputed clash has ignited remarkable intrigue among the boxing community considering that it is the first-ever bout of such magnitude in the four-belt era. Furthermore, Charlo is moving two weight classes seeking to cement his status as one of boxing’s greatest feat in the modern era by challenging the face of boxing Canelo Alvarez,” a statement from the WBO reads.
“Nevertheless, it is not less true, that by virtue of Charlo disregarding his obligation to Tszyu, has failed to comply with our rules and regulations. However, we must stress that the current scenario is an extraordinary one, and as such, it warrants a reasonable outcome for all participants. Therefore, in the balance of all the interests involved, we are of the position that a ruling that best serves boxing’s interests outweighs Tszyu based on the extraordinary scenario involving the historic Canelo/Charlo.”
Despite the decision made by the WBO, Charlo appears to be moving forward with his decision to fight Alvarez on September 30. Meanwhile, Tim Tszyu will secure championship status and prepare for his next bout.
