Erickson Lubin withdrew from talks for the anticipated clash with WBO 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu, leaving Tszyu in need of a new opponent. While Terence Crawford was a potential match, Vergil Ortiz Jr., now at 154, expressed eagerness. Oscar De La Hoya confirmed Ortiz’s readiness, even considering traveling to Australia for the bout. So who is Tszyu fighting now, Lubin or Ortiz?

The answer is neither of them. Through various turn of events, Tszyu is now looking forward to fighting Keith Thurman on March 30, at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. And it seems that Lubin is not happy about the match-up. This has led to a confrontation between him and American sportswriter Dan Rafael.

Dan Rafael makes certain things clearer

As Tim Tszyu is not putting his WBO title on the line, Erickson Lubin took the chance to fire shots at his rival. He took to Twitter to write, “Tszyu not defending his belt @WorldBoxingOrg strip his a** make him the “champ in recess” I don’t mind fighting Josh Kelly or Xander Zayas for it”.

Soon sportswriter Dan Rafael replied to Lubin’s claims pointing out how Tszyu is within the rules to fight Thurman without putting his title on the line. He claimed, “Zero reason to be stripped. Has no due mandatory. He is well within WBO rules to make a nontitle fight with approval as long as mandatory is up to date, which it is. FYI.”

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However, Lubin didn’t like Rafael’s comment but didn’t refute his statement either. He simply pushed the argument aside, writing, “Yeah whatever”. Interestingly, Rafael once again replied making clear that he was just trying to give Lubin the “facts”. In the meantime, here’s the advice a former Australian boxer has to give to Tszyu.

Anthony Mundine sees Thurman as a stepping stone for Tim Tszyu

As Tszyu prepares to face Thurman, former boxer Anthony Mundine has some words of advice to help him surpass his father’s fests in the ring. Mundine suggests Tszyu must seize this opportunity, asserting, “Tim’s doing very well, and he’s got a good fight against Thurman.” Mundine underscores the importance of defeating Thurman to pave the way for challenging top-tier opponents like Bud Crawford and even Canelo Alvarez, stating, “That’s where he’s going to cement his legacy.”

Tszyu’s potential collision with Crawford, linked to a super-fight against Canelo, adds intrigue to the Australian boxing scene. Mundine expresses satisfaction with the growth of young talents like George Kambosos Jr. and Jai Opetaia, reflecting on their journey from aspiring youngsters to successful athletes, noting, “They’re being ‘The Man’ they wanted to be back in the day.”

Tim Tszyu Title Fight Is Not the Right Move for Keith Thurman, Here’s Why

What do you think about Lubin’s claims? Do you agree with him that WBO should strip Tszyu off his belts? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Five Fascinating Facts About Keith Thurman