)
Erislandy Lara's highly anticipated middleweight world title defense against Australian star Tim Tszyu has officially locked in a date and venue. The blockbuster bout is set for December 12 at Cbus Super Stadium on Queensland's Gold Coast.
For the 43-year-old Cuban veteran Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs), this will mark the fifth defense of the belt he captured with a victory over Thomas LaManna in May 2021. In his most recent ring appearance last December in San Antonio, Lara secured a unanimous decision victory over Johan Gonzalez.
Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs), a former super welterweight world champion, heads into the clash on a three-fight winning streak. In July, he sent Errol Spence Jr. into retirement following a commanding points win in Sydney, successfully steadying his career after a turbulent stretch that included two defeats to reigning champion Sebastian Fundora and a loss to contender Bakhram Murtazaliev.
The undercard is also stacked with compelling action. Former undisputed super welterweight king Jermell Charlo takes on Brock Jarvis in the co-main event, while interim super featherweight champion Elnur Samedov squares off against Australia's Liam Wilson.
"I've worked my whole life to be in this position, and it's a blessing to receive opportunities like this to defend my title," Lara said. "I'm excited to travel to Australia. I know Tszyu is a tough opponent and I respect what he brings to the ring, especially in front of his home fans. But I've been in mega-fights throughout my entire career, and I know exactly what it takes to win at the highest level."
The slick Cuban southpaw is finally receiving the marquee spotlight he deserves. After spending years avoided by elite fighters due to the high-risk matchup he presents, Lara now lands a massive showdown against a prime opponent, even if it requires crossing the globe.
"I live for moments like this. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided boxers on the planet. That's exactly why I pushed for this fight," said Tszyu, son of legendary undisputed champion Kostya Tszyu. "Beating Spence was just the beginning, but this is the fight that truly matters."
"It all comes down to legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has ever produced. Becoming a two-division world champion is the one milestone he never reached. That is my ultimate goal, and it drives me every single day," the Australian added.
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)