Tim Tszyu Chases Erislandy Lara For December

“We sat down with the team, spoke about different options, and to become a two-time world champion is part of the plans. That’s what I’m chasing, against a guy called Lara,” said Tszyu to News.com.au.

“The boys at No Limit Boxing and PBC are real tight. So we’re able to make these fights happen and bring him over to Australia. That’s what we’re hoping for.”

Lara carries a recognizable name and a world title, but this is another carefully chosen older opponent for Tszyu. The Cuban champion is 43 and has been out of the ring for nearly two years. His last fight was a ninth-round stoppage of Danny Garcia in September 2024.

Tszyu recently defeated a 36-year-old Spence, who returned after three years of inactivity and retired immediately afterward. Now Tszyu is chasing a champion seven years older than Spence.

That does not make Lara harmless. Even at his age, he remains a sharp southpaw with excellent timing and enough power to punish careless pressure. He stopped Michael Zerafa with a clean left hand in two rounds and has won seven consecutive fights.

Lara’s legs are no longer what they were during his best years, though, and that is likely part of Tszyu’s attraction to the fight. Tszyu would have a younger engine, home support and the pressure style needed to force Lara to work every minute.

Beating Lara would place another belt around Tszyu’s waist, but it would not prove he is the best middleweight. It would show that his handlers understand the value of finding famous champions at the right stage of their careers. After Spence, Lara fits that strategy almost perfectly.