Tim Tszyu to make first title defense against Brian Mendoza on Oct. 15

Tim Tszyu will defend the WBO super welterweight world title in Australia on Sunday, October 15, No Limit Boxing confirmed today.

Tszyu, 28, will defend the WBO super-welterweight world title for the first time following the organization's decision to elevate him to full champion status as soon as Jermell Charlo is announced in the ring for his highly anticipated fight with Canelo Alvarez on September 30.

Should the WBC follow the WBO’s lead and strip Charlo of the title, Mendoza would be elevated and the fight would become a world title unification bout.

It is the third fight for Tszyu inside seven months having knocked out former WBC world champion Tony Harrison in Sydney in March and world-rated Mexican Carlos Ocampo on the Gold Coast in July.

Mendoza blasted out former unified champion Jeison Rosario in November last year, before he then brutally knocked out the previously unbeaten Sebastian Fundora to capture the WBC interim-title at 154-pounds.

The 29 year-old from Albuquerque, New Mexico is the toughest opponent Tszyu has faced to date who has shown both his devastating power and comfort in being the underdog when taking on the very best fighters in the division.

The winner of the fight on October 15 will seek an undisputed title fight against Jermell Charlo, should he decide to return to the division following his fight on September 30.

Tim Tszyu said, “I’m expecting a war and I’m expecting Mendoza to test me more than any other fighter. He has power in both hands and has shown he thrives off being that underdog, so I doubt coming to Australia will bother him but don’t expect a single person to be cheering for him.”

“This was the fight to be made and the only fight that had me pumped up. Styles make fights and it has the potential to be a banger because we both go looking for the fight, have heavy hands and chase those killer knockouts everyone loves to replay over, and over, and over again.”

“The road to undisputed continues, it’s just going to take a little longer. But trust me, the journey to get there will be way sweeter.”

No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose said, “Tim Tszyu is the new king of the super-welterweight division and true kings go out and take what’s theirs. Tim only wanted the toughest test in his division. Brian Mendoza is that guy.”

“We could’ve easily looked for a lesser-opponent but Tim and his team made it clear to us that he needed a fight that was going to get him up and about and keep him zoned in 24/7.”

“When you’re at the level Tim Tszyu is at and chasing ‘undisputed’, taking down a guy who can bring a belt to the table and unify is extremely appealing. It’s a high stakes gamble but this is boxing and it’s now up to Tim to prove it.”