Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu extended his flawless professional record to 24 wins in as many bouts, triumphing over American challenger Brian Mendoza in a high-profile showdown held in Broadbeach, Australia. The 28-year-old Australian secured the World Boxing Organization light middleweight title by unanimous decision, marking his first successful title defense since capturing the belt. In addition to retaining the WBO crown, Tszyu also claimed the interim title of the World Boxing Council, further solidifying his position among the sport’s rising elite.
The championship bout spanned the full scheduled distance of 12 rounds, with Tszyu delivering steady, technically precise boxing that impressed judges and fans alike. Mendoza, 29, fought tenaciously but was unable to break through Tszyu’s rhythm, and the judges awarded the decision in Tszyu’s favor. The result left Tszyu with a perfect professional record and a growing fan base across Australia and North America, as he continues to build a compelling case for a potential unification or high-profile defenses on the international stage.
This victory also had ripple effects within the landscape of the sport. American challenger Jermell Charlo, who had been in line for a potential unification bout, opted to face Mexican boxing icon Saul Alvarez in a decision that ended in Charlo’s unanimous defeat. As a consequence, Charlo was stripped of his WBO belt prior to the bout, after declaring he would not defend the title against Tszyu. The belt then effectively moved to Tszyu, reinforcing the Australian’s status as a legitimate world champion in the junior middleweight division.
Mendoza, who has amassed a solid career record, entered the fight with 22 wins, 16 of them by knockout, against 3 losses. The loss represented Mendoza’s third setback in the professional ring and underscored the competitive depth of the division, where a mix of emerging talents and seasoned fighters continue to vie for the sport’s most coveted belts.
In a broader context, senior heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin recently responded to critics who questioned his public remarks about the sport’s new generation and the evolving role of top-level competition. Povetkin’s remarks, viewed through the lens of respect and accountability in boxing, add another layer of conversation around how veteran champions relate to younger stars and the shifting dynamics of the sport today. The exchange highlighted the ongoing dialogue among fighters, fans, and analysts about legacy, merit, and the path to true greatness in modern boxing. [Source attribution: contemporary boxing coverage, 2025]