Australian star Tim Tszyu holds no resentment towards Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for snatching away his world title fight.
Tszyu, who holds the WBO’s interim title at junior middleweight, was in line for a mandatory shot at undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo.
They were scheduled to fight at the early part of 2023, but the contest was postponed when Charlo withdrew with a hand injury.
Tszyu stayed busy, with knockout victories over Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo.
The WBO would then order Charlo to face Tszyu by the end of September.
Their fight was being discussed for dates in October.
But then an unexpected twist would shock Tszyu and most observers, when it was announced that Charlo would move up in weight by two divisions to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super middleweight crown on September 30 in Las Vegas.
Tszyu explains that he doesn’t view Canelo in a bad light for finalizing a fight with Charlo.
However, Tszyu also revealed that he’s adding Canelo’s name to his hit list.
“I’m even angry at Canelo,” Tszyu said to Fox Sports Australia. “He’s taken what I wanted so he’s part of that [hit] list now as well. I’m going to be like John Wick, call me John Wick from now on.”
At the moment, Tszyu is ready to face all-comers at 154 and then plans to pursue big fights at the middleweight limit of 160.
He’s open to the scenario of facing Charlo with no world titles at stake.
“Wherever the big fights are. I’ve got three maybe four fights at super welterweight – whatever gets the most attention – then move up. So we’ll see how long I stay in this division. At the end of the day it’s all about creating highlight reels that live on throughout eternity,” Tszyu said.
“Make a decent amount of money and make friends and family around you proud. When I first came into this sport it was belts, this and that … but my mentality has changed. Belts won’t define me. What will define me is the highlights, the legacy that I keep making. And while belts are part of that, I’ll fight ‘Mel (Charlo) for no belt. I don’t care. Belts are just a nice little prize to have.”