Tszyu to challenge Lara for WBA middleweight title in Gold Coast showdown

The card also features a highly anticipated return for former undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo, who will fight Australian Brock Jarvis. Charlo, who last entered the ring three years ago, boasts a record of 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.

Another world title fight will see Liam Wilson battle Elnur Samedov for the WBA super featherweight title.

“This is the biggest and best fight card in Australia, full stop,” stated No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose. “A reigning world champion, a former undisputed world champion and two world titles, in a stadium on the Gold Coast. Nothing else comes close.”

Tszyu (28-3) is looking to continue his resurgence in the middleweight division after previously winning the WBO light middleweight championship on the Gold Coast in 2023, defeating Brian Mendoza. His last stadium fight was against Jeff Horn in Townsville in 2020.

“Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him,” Tszyu said. “Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara.”

Lara (32-3-3), a 43-year-old southpaw, has held the WBA middleweight title since 2021 and has successfully defended it four times, including a second-round knockout of Michael Zerafa in Las Vegas in 2024. He has suffered three career losses, all by decision.

“I’m going to Australia with one goal … to defend my title, put on a great performance and give the fans a fight they’ll remember for a long time,” Lara added.

The Tszyu vs. Charlo fight was originally scheduled for 2023 but was canceled due to a hand injury to Charlo, who subsequently lost his four light middleweight titles to Canelo Álvarez. Charlo (36) is now looking to revitalize his career in Australia.

“I’ve heard all the talk, and now it’s time to remind everybody why Jermell Charlo is still him,” Charlo stated. Jarvis, with a record of 23 wins and 21 knockouts, aims to disrupt Charlo’s comeback.

Wilson (18-3), who competed in the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018, is a two-time world title challenger. “I have chased this shot around the world,” Wilson said. “I have never backed down from anyone and I am not starting now.”