Tim Tszyu’s tilt at the Super Welterweight world title against Jermell Charlo has been quite literally put on ice after the American champion broke his hand sparring in Houston last week.
The January 28 fight was postponed after scans revealed Charlo had broken his left hand in two places – between his pinky and ring fingers, and the base of his thumb.
It will be in a cast for two months before rehabilitation can start.
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Charlo said he knew something was wrong as soon as the punch landed.
“I felt my hand throbbing right away,” he said. “I had two x-rays and an MRI to see what was wrong … I hate this feeling.
“I’m as disappointed as the fans, maybe more, because this was my first chance to defend the undisputed title.
“The way I am, I would have beaten Tim Tszyu with one hand, but the doctors and the boxing commission won’t allow that. It’s even more dangerous when a lion faces adversity and has to come back to defend the pride.
“I’ve been training since July, and I’ve been hitting harder than ever, and these are the things that happen when you push yourself to the limits. After my hand heals, I’m coming back stronger than ever to defend my legacy.”
Unsurprisingly, Tszyu too was disappointed.
“I felt like the stars aligned for undisputed … but we move on,” he said.
“I’m ready to take on the next mandatory challenger. I’ll be back for Charlo once he is ready and healed.”
No new date has yet been announced.
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