It’s official. Premier Boxing Champions has announced a December 12 card that will be headlined by WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (32-3-3, 19 KOs) making a title defense against Tim Tszyu (28-3, 18 KOs) in a show that will stream live from the Cbus Super Stadium in Australia on DAZN.
“I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position, and I’m blessed to have more opportunities like this to be a world champion and defend my title,” said Lara. “Traveling to Australia to fight Tszyu is something
I’m really looking forward to. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring, especially fighting in front of his home fans.
“But I’ve been in big fights my whole career and I know what it takes to win at this level. I’m grateful to be able to showcase my skills on DAZN in front of boxing fans all around the world, and I’m going to Australia with one goal…to defend my title, put on a great performance and give the fans a fight they’ll remember for a long time.”
Tszyu also expressed his enthusiasm for the chance at grabbing some world title hardware.
“This is what I live for. Lara is a great champion and one of the most avoided fighters in the world. That is exactly why I wanted him,” said Tszyu. “Spence was the first step. This is the one that matters. This fight is about legacy. My dad is a Hall of Famer and the greatest fighter this country has produced. Becoming a two-weight world champion is the one thing he never did.
“That is what I am chasing, and it drives me every single day. Queensland and the Gold Coast have always backed me. I stopped Jeff Horn and defended my world title in Queensland stadiums and crowds and I can’t wait to feel that again. I’m ready to take that belt off Lara on the Gold Coast.”
Also on the card will be a co-featured bout with Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) making his return to action after quite hiatus, in a junior middleweight bout against Brock Jarvis (23-2, 21 KOs). Charlo hasn’t fought since a Sep. 2023 loss to Canelo Alvarez, while Jarvis most notable fought and lost to Keith Thurman in March of last year. He’s since bounced back to win a low-level domestic fight.
“I’ve heard all the talk, and now it’s time to remind everybody why Jermell Charlo is still him,” said Charlo. “I appreciate Brock Jarvis stepping up, because a lot of these so-called top guys got cold feet. They use my name for clout but get quiet when it’s time to sign on that dotted line. I’m willing to fight on a co-main event all the way in Australia because that’s how hungry I am.
“I’ve got so much in me and I wasn’t going to let this year end without giving my fans what they’ve been waiting for. On December 12, I’m going to show everybody why I’m the most dangerous fighter from 154 to 160 pounds. I’m coming to take what’s mine. Lions Only!”
Finally, opening up the show will be a 130 lb WBA title fight between Elnur Samedov (22-1, 11 KOs) and Liam Wilson (18-3, 10 KOs).
