“It Doesn’t Get Safer”: Former World Champion Shawn Porter Shares Crucial Advice for Tim Tsyzu Following Brian Mendoza Victory

In the match against Brian Mendoza, Tim Tszyu secured a victory with a unanimous decision from judges, scoring 116-111, 116-112, and 117-111. Initial skepticism stemmed from some quarters, including Shakur Stevenson’s prediction of Mendoza’s win. However, Tszyu proved his critics wrong in a spectacular manner.

Following this, Tszyu surprised everyone by expressing his interest in fighting “anyone.” Tszyu conveyed that he is willing to move up to middleweight, super middleweight, welterweight, basically whatever the fight demands. Witnessing how Jermell Charlo barely survived the fight against Canelo Alvarez after moving up weight classes, it is clear that seesawing between the weight divisions is often not the smartest idea. Shawn Porter has some advice for the Australian boxer.

Shawn Porter asks Tim Tszyu to “grow”

Porter believes Tszyu should continue in his own weight range till he gets tougher. “I think he’s gotta stay a junior. I think he’s gotta really solidify himself and take over.” The two-time welterweight world champion lauds his hard work and effort, but moving up weight classes might not be the best decision for the light middleweight boxer.

“He’s gotta be safe at this point. It doesn’t get safer when you move up. 54 doesn’t have the kind of challenges as 60. Before he makes that move, I think he should take over, grow just a little bit more, and of course, grow physically as well.”

To face the challenges that a higher weight class brings, Tszyu has a bit of distance to cover, according to Porter. Moving to an alien territory without much preparation can prove to be devastating.

Who will Tim Tszyu brawl with next?

After the victory over Mendoza, Tszyu called out American WBA, WBC, and IBF super welterweight champion Charlo. Tszyu had previously won the WBO interim title and became the mandatory challenger to Charlo. However, Charlo moved up two weight classes for a bout with Mexican champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, resulting in Tszyu being elevated from interim to full champion after Charlo was stripped of his WBO belt.

Read More: Shakur Stevenson Admits Fault at His Prediction for Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza Fight

Tszyu expressed his willingness to face Crawford as well, showing his openness to the matchup. However, Porter, speaking on Main Event, cautioned against this decision, deeming it a mistake too. Errol Spence is another name that pops up. Tszyu showed great enthusiasm about facing Spence. Finding that the former unified welterweight champion was interested in moving up to the super welterweight division intrigued Tszyu.

Most options present before Tszyu require him to shift his weight. Going by Porter’s words, none of it is a great idea for him. Do you think Tszyu will take the advice or will he dive into the waters before testing them?

Watch This Story: “Just Went There to Survive”: After Becoming WBO Champion, Tim Tszyu Remains Brutally Honest About Jermell Charlo’s Performance Against Canelo Alvarez