Tim Tszyu, now WBO super welterweight champion, will attempt his first defence when he faces Brian Mendoza on October 14. The fight airs on Showtime in the U.S. and is at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia.
The son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu, Tim is a 2011 Australian National Championships bronze medalist. "The Soul Taker" turned pro in 2016 and made himself known in 2020 by beating former welterweight champion Jeff Horn. He then took down the likes of Dennis Hogan, Terrell Gausha, and Tony Harrison, the last bout a TKO win against the former champion for the interim WBO super welterweight title.
Tszyu was supposed to fight Charlo for the status of the undisputed super welterweight champion, but the latter suffered a hand injury, scrapping the planned bout. Looking to stay active, Tszyu knocked out Carlos Ocampo in June in the first round, making a big statement.
MORE: How is Jermell Charlo still undisputed super welterweight champion?
"I'm expecting a war, and I'm expecting Mendoza to test me more than any other fighter," said Tszyu via ESPN. "He has power in both hands and has shown he thrives off being that underdog, so I doubt coming to Australia will bother him, but don't expect a single person to be cheering for him… The road to undisputed continues, it's just going to take a little longer. But trust me, the journey to get there will be way sweeter.”
Mendoza turned pro in 2014. The 29-year-old went 1-2 from 2019-2021 before winning three straight. He beat Ben Whittaker, Jeison Rosario, and Sebastian Fundora, all via knockout. He beat Fundora in April to win the interim WBC super welterweight title.
"I bring something to the table that the guy has never seen before," Mendoza said at a press conference via Boxing Scene. "I can be slick, I can come forward, I can box. I do a little of everything."
The Sporting News will provide what you need to know about this fight, including time, channel, odds, card, and more.
When is Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza?
Tszyu vs. Mendoza airs on October 14 (October 15 in AU). The main card starts at 9 a.m. ET, and Tszyu and Mendoza should make their way to the ring around 12 a.m. ET, depending on what time the undercard fights last.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, October 14 | 9 p.m. ET | 12 a.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, October 14 | 6 p.m. PT | 9 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, October 15 | 2 a.m. BST | 5 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Sunday, October 15 | 11 a.m. AEST | 2 p.m. AEST |
MORE: Boxing's greatest ring walks
How to watch Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | Showtime | Showtime |
| Canada | — | TBA |
| UK and Ireland | — | TBA |
| Australia | Fox Sports/Main Event | Kayo |
In Australia, the prelims will be live on Fox Sports and Kayo, before the broadcast moves to pay-per-view on Main Event and Kayo PPV.
Tszyu vs. Mendoza airs on Showtime in the U.S.
Viewers can stream Showtime via Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Xbox ONE, a laptop, or any mobile or tablet device.
Where is Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza?
The fight is in the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia. The venue can hold 6,000 people.
Betting odds for Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza
Mendoza, the interim WBC super welterweight champion, has knocked out Ben Whittaker, Jeison Rosario, and Sebastian Fundora in recent fights. Fighting on enemy territory, "La Bala” is the +375 underdog (per Bet MGM), while Tszyu is the -650 favorite.
In Australia, Tszyu is a $1.22 favourite and Mendoza is the underdog at $4.75, per Dabble.
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Tim Tszyu record and bio
- Nationality: Australian
- Born: November 2, 1994
- Height: 5-8 1/2
- Reach: 72 inches
- Total fights: 23
- Record: 23-0 with 17 wins via knockout
Brian Mendoza record and bio
- Nationality: American
- Born: February 13, 1994
- Height: 5-10
- Reach: 70 inches
- Total fights: 24
- Record: 22-2 with 16 wins via knockout
Tim Tszyu vs Brian Mendoza fight card
Bouts and order subject to change
- Tim Tszyu vs Brian Mendoza for the WBO super welterweight world title
- Sam Goodman vs Miguel Flores; 125-lb catchweight
- Nathaniel May vs Jackson England; Super featherweight
- Shanell Dargan vs Amber Amelia; Super bantamweight
- Toese Vousiutu vs Julius Long; Heavyweight
- Hassan Hamdan vs Danvers Cuschieri; 64.5kg catchweight
- Sergei Vorobev vs Wade Ryan; Super welterweight
