Australian boxer Tim Tszyu’s slated mega-fight with Jermell Charlo is officially off after the American opted to take on Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez instead.
Charlo will move up two divisions to fight Álvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight crown in Las Vegas on 30 September.
That date is precisely the deadline the WBO had imposed for Tszyu and Charlo to square off for all four super-welterweight belts.
Tszyu and Charlo had initially been scheduled to fight on 29 January before Charlo reported two broken bones in his left hand last Christmas.
With Charlo moving up to challenge the so-called face of boxing, the WBO is expected to elevate the undefeated Tszyu from interim to full world champion.
But Saturday’s shock revelation is still a hammer blow to the Australian.
Tszyu had retained the interim title with a specta
