Undisputed super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo broke his left arm during practice and his much-anticipated defense against No. 1 Tim Tszyu, is scheduled for January 28. , has been postponed.
Charlo broke his left hand in two places – between his little finger, ring finger and at the base of his thumb – after throwing a punch during a practice match at his gym in Houston on Tuesday. After seeing two doctors and a hand specialist in Houston, his hand was put in a cast. It will be in a cast for two months and once it is removed, he will begin rehabilitation before resuming training.
“I was fencing, and I threw this nice punch and as soon as it hit the ground I knew something was wrong. I felt a sharp pain in my hand right away,” Charlo said. “I had X-rays and MRIs done twice to see if there were any problems. It showed it was broken in two places. I hate this feeling. My hand will be in a cast for two months. I’m just as disappointed as the fans, maybe more, as this is my first chance to defend the undisputed title.
“My way, I could have beaten Tim Tszyu with one hand, but the doctors and the boxing committee wouldn’t allow it. It is even more dangerous when a lion encounters adversity and has to turn back to protect its pride. I’ve been training since July and I’ve been working harder than ever, and here’s what happens when you push yourself to the limit. After my hand heals, I will come back stronger than ever to protect my legacy.”
“This is not news that anyone wants to hear because we have foreseen this war. But these things still happen,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jermell doesn’t take the easy route to being the undisputed super middleweight champion, so he knows that nothing comes easy. Tszyu better get ready, because Jermell will be stronger and hungrier than ever when he comes back.
“Charlo versus Tszyu for the undisputed super welterweight title is one of the biggest and most anticipated fights in the 2023 boxing schedule, so we, as well as boxing fans, are around the world, clearly disappointed to hear of Jermell’s injury and the resulting suspension,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. said. “We wish Jermell a speedy recovery and we look forward to adding this important match back to the SHOWTIME schedule as soon as possible. We know both Jermell and Tim can’t wait to give boxing fans the all-around fight we’ve all been waiting for.”
“I am very disappointed,” said Tszyu. “I feel like the stars align for the undisputed… but we kept going. I’m ready to take on the next required challenge. I’ll come back to Charlo when he’s ready and recovered.”
Charles vs. Tszyu remains one of the best fights of 2023, as it pairs two tough boxers in a high-stakes match with Tszyu attempting to usurp the best 154-pounder in the sport. this sport. Charlo claimed his undisputed champion spot by stopping Brian Castaño in May and unifying all four titles. He will be looking to add another big name to his weight résumé ahead of Australian star Tszyu, who hopes to join his father Kostya Tszyu as the undisputed world champion.
There is currently no new date for the rescheduled match. A new date will be announced soon.
