Boxing inventory watch: Which fighter has the perfect probability to emerge from a crowded group of 154-pound contenders?

For the second time in two weeks, boxing’s deepest division can be on full show this weekend when former 154-pound titleholder and Australian star Tim Tszyu makes his comeback from a disastrous 2024. 

Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs), the son of Corridor-of-Famer and former unified 140-pound king Kostya Tszyu, entered final yr alongside Terence Crawford because the favorites to take over the junior middleweight division. A nasty lower, nevertheless, attributable to an elbow in opposition to late alternative Sebastian Fundora performed a key function in Tszyu’s first professional defeat in March 2024 when he dropped a bloody cut up choice earlier than being brutally stopped in his subsequent struggle in opposition to IBF titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev in October. 

On Saturday (PBC on Prime Video, 8 p.m. ET), the 30-year-old Tszyu returns on dwelling soil in Newcastle, Australia, when he faces Joey Spencer (19-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round headlining bout from the Newcastle Leisure Centre. 

The struggle takes place simply two weeks after Fundora, the division’s unified champion, returned for the primary time because the Tszyu bout by defending his WBC and WBO titles in opposition to heavy underdog Chordale Booker in a fourth-round TKO. Rising prospect Jesus Ramos Jr. stayed busy within the co-main occasion by scoring his second victory in two months. 

With a lot depth inside this red-hot division, it is time to take a more in-depth take a look at the main gamers concerned to attempt to pinpoint which 154-pound fighter has the perfect shot to in the future emerge from the pack and unify all 4 titles to grow to be the division’s first undisputed champion since Jermell Charlo was stripped of his titles in early 2024.

The Champions

Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs), age 27, WBC/WBO unified titleholder

“The Towering Inferno” gives constant leisure as an all-action fighter who typically offers away the benefits that include his distinctive 6-foot-6 body and unbelievable 80-inch attain. He additionally bounced again properly from his lone professional defeat, a devastating knockout to Brian Mendoza in 2023, and confirmed a great combination of coronary heart and adaptableness to outbox Tszyu of their massacre. Fundora is probably going headed subsequent to a compulsory WBO title protection in opposition to unbeaten Xander Zayas. 

Professionals: Nice chin, stamina and willingness to endure what it takes to win. He is additionally, as evidenced in opposition to Booker, slowly evolving his capacity to combine boxing with brawling and likewise controlling opponents from vary along with his lengthy jab. 

Cons: Will get hit too cleanly and constantly for somebody along with his dimension and attain. He appeared like he was headed towards a one-sided loss in opposition to Tszyu earlier than his unintentional elbow opened up the nasty lower. 

Undisputed odds: First rate

Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), age 37, WBA titleholder

The pound-for-pound stalwart and future Corridor of Famer relied on his expertise and IQ to outbox a decided Israil Madrimov in his junior middleweight debut to assert a world title in a fourth weight division by way of shut choice. Whereas it was assumed attributable to his age that Crawford could be achieved at 154 kilos now that he is making ready for a teased September superfight at 168 kilos in opposition to unified champion Canelo Alvarez, “Bud” not too long ago said the plans on returning to junior middleweight whether or not wins or loses in opposition to Alvarez to chase one more undisputed crown. 

Professionals: Even at his superior age, the previous undisputed champion at 140 and 147 has no peer throughout the division in terms of craft, athleticism and total expertise.  

Cons: Crawford had hassle adjusting to Madrimov’s awkward fashion of feints and motion. His energy at 154 kilos additionally lacked the identical influence it had between 135 and 147 kilos. He is additionally not getting any youthful. 

Undisputed odds: Robust (supplied he returns to the division and does not take career-altering harm in opposition to Alvarez) 

Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs), age 32, IBF titleholder

The native of Russia could be the least identified of the elite boxers atop the division however his three-round dismantling of Tszyu showcased simply how harmful he may be as a technical boxer with energy. 

Professionals: Promoted by Principal Occasions, Murtazaliev could make a struggle with anybody within the division from a promotional and community standpoint. He is additionally tremendous assured and decided, which was evidenced by his 2024 title win over Jack Culcay in Germany when Murtazaliev took the struggle regardless of coaching throughout Ramadan and never being in his greatest preventing form. 

Cons: His one-sided efficiency in opposition to Tszyu stays a little bit of an anomaly in comparison with his performances in prior fights in opposition to lesser competitors. He might want to show {that a} efficiency as sturdy as that’s sustainable and never the results of Tszyu having imploded. 

Undisputed odds: Truthful (however we have to see extra)

The High Contenders

Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs), age 27 

What a distinction two years and a transfer up in weight made for the native of Dallas. In 2022, Ortiz was thought of a future welterweight champion within the making and one of many sport’s most promising prospects. However accidents and unexplained sicknesses sidelined Ortiz for practically two years and threatened his profession. Final yr, nevertheless, he returned as a junior middleweight and is now using a four-fight win streak at 154 kilos, which incorporates him outlasting Serhii Bohachuk of their epic struggle final August earlier than scoring an eye-opening choice win over Madrimov in February. 

Professionals: Ortiz is a two-fisted puncher who’s simply as comfy hurting his opponents to the physique on the within as he’s various his assault and outworking them from distance. He additionally confirmed the kind of IQ, changes and mid-range sport in opposition to Madrimov that few thought he possessed. 

Cons: Now that he is lastly totally wholesome, there actually aren’t that many for Ortiz, save for the 2 knockdowns he suffered in opposition to Bohachuk in his disputed win by way of majority choice. 

Undisputed odds: More and more sturdy

Israil Madrimov (10-2-1, 7 KOs), age 30

The shifty Uzbek is using a two-fight shedding skid in opposition to high competitors even though he gave Crawford all he might deal with in shedding his WBO title final August. 

Professionals: A grasp of awkward footwork patterns and fixed feints, Madrimov can typically freeze his opponents and decrease their output. He is additionally an unorthodox energy puncher who can land looping photographs from surprising angles.

Cons: Though he credited the flat efficiency in opposition to Ortiz to an sickness that he stubbornly pushed by and refused to tug out, Madrimov nonetheless does not throw sufficient significant punches between all these feints, which is probably going what value him in opposition to Crawford.

Undisputed odds: Reasonable

Serhii Bohachuk (25-2, 24 KOs), age 29

The native of Ukraine misplaced a chance to redeem himself after the disputed loss to Ortiz when Madrimov pulled out of their scheduled struggle with an damage (amid hypothesis that Madrimov was actually preserving himself for Ortiz). Bohachuk responded to a 2021 knockout loss to Brandon Adams by recording six straight wins, together with 5 by knockout (and a large choice win over Mendoza). And neither Bohachuk, nor promoter Tom Loeffler, have forgotten the outcomes of the Ortiz struggle, which they nonetheless suppose they clearly gained. 

Professionals: With energy in each arms and a willingness to return ahead all through, the assured Bohachuk is a possible downside for anybody within the division.

Cons: The KO loss to Adams got here when Bohachuk was extensively forward on all three scorecards within the remaining rounds. He additionally proved unable to separate himself from Ortiz, even with the 2 knockdowns, of their thrilling duel.  

Undisputed odds: Unlikely, however not out of the query

Tim Tszyu (24-2, 17 KOs), age 30

With wins over Terrell Gausha, Tony Harrison and Mendoza getting into 2024, “The Soul Taker” was as soon as seen as a rising star within the sport. Most of that disappeared rapidly following a pair of unusual defeats final yr. Though there’s heavy stress on Tszyu this weekend to redeem himself and stem the tide, there’s an argument to be made that the presence of his father at ringside in opposition to Murtazaliev for the primary time since his professional debut (as the 2 look to proceed to fix their as soon as estranged relationship) performed an even bigger psychological function than individuals realized. That is not an excuse for the defeat but it surely’s nonetheless comprehensible. 

Professionals: When he commits to working off the jab and going to the physique with heavy hooks, Tszyu brings each elite talent and dedication to the desk. 

Cons: The Gausha and Murtazaliev fights are each clear proof that Tszyu has hassle committing to sport plans in favor of hitting the swap into what he calls “Terminator mode” far too early. He had each no head motion or sport plan in opposition to Murtazaliev and repeatedly walked into the identical punches with reckless abandon. He additionally took a ton of injury in these two defeats.

Undisputed odds: Method down however not utterly out given his pedigree

Jesus Ramos Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs), age 24

In what might become a blessing in disguise, Ramos rebounded from his extremely disputed choice loss to Erickson Lubin in 2023 by upping his output and urgency to document a trio of knockouts over the previous yr. 

Professionals: Not solely is he huge and lengthy for the division, Ramos continues to be creating at a fast tempo and may fluctuate his assault properly between grinding on the within to the physique, touchdown missile left arms from mid-range or boxing from the surface. 

Cons: Regardless of wins over Mendoza, Spencer and light former unified champion Jeison Rosario, Ramos might possible use a bit extra expertise on the elite degree earlier than preventing for his first title. However he is shut. 

Undisputed odds: Trending upward

Growing old Names

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs, age 34

The previous undisputed king has been surprisingly idle since a one-sided choice loss at 168 kilos to Alvarez in 2023. Actually, Charlo hasn’t fought at 154 kilos since Could 2022 when he knocked out Brian Castano of their rematch (following a controversial draw) to assert all 4 belts. 

Professionals: Charlo continues to be younger sufficient to make yet one more run and has shared his intentions to take action on social media amid rumors of a potential June return. 

Cons: Not solely has Charlo fought simply as soon as over the previous three years, he was largely lifeless in his loss to Alvarez and appeared content material to go the space with out risking a stoppage defeat. 

Undisputed odds: Unlikely 

Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs), age 35

The previous unified welterweight champion hasn’t fought since a devastating ninth-round TKO in opposition to Crawford in 2023. Rumors of a 2024 comeback struggle in opposition to Fundora had been additionally shelved after Spence wasn’t prepared (and wasn’t deemed an acceptable title challenger in his 154-pound debut). As well as, he has but to discover a new coach after longtime chief second Derrick James sued Spence over a cost disagreement stemming from the Crawford struggle. 

Professionals: A longtime, embellished champion with a resume of massive wins over elite welterweights, Spence has lengthy been seen as a fighter with sufficient dimension, energy and talent to be a prospect for future success at each 154 and 160 kilos.

Cons: There are various of them. Not solely age, inactivity and issues for his preventing future after the beating he took from Crawford, it is nonetheless unknown how a lot the 2 automobile accidents he was concerned in on the peak of his prime robbed from his elite expertise. The jury can be nonetheless out as as to if Spence will, certainly, return (not to mention whether or not he ought to). 

Undisputed odds: Not good

Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs), age 36

The previous two-time welterweight king, generally known as “One Time,” has fought precisely that many instances since 2022. Thurman was initially scheduled to struggle Tszyu final March till an damage opened the door for Fundora to slip in late. Final month, Thurman triumphantly returned in Australia to knock out journeyman Brock Jarvis and stays a powerful candidate to struggle Tszyu in July ought to the Australian defeat Spencer. 

Professionals: Thurman proved in opposition to Jarvis that he nonetheless has good energy and foot pace as he begins a comeback at 154 kilos.

Cons: Accidents have been a relentless theme all through the second half of his profession as Thurman has fought simply twice up to now six years and has endured layoffs of a minimum of two years on three separate events since 2017. 

Undisputed odds: Very low

The Future

Xander Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs), age 22

The long run might be now because the native of Puerto Rico is the necessary for Fundora’s WBO title and is predicted to face him this summer season. 

Professionals: Zayas has a great combination of pace, footwork and IQ. He additionally seems to be fearless in his assault and actively desires to struggle the perfect on the planet regardless of being so younger. 

Cons: Some consider he will get hit too typically for being such a hyped prospect and that his energy may not be elite. He has additionally but to struggle anybody on Fundora’s degree.

Undisputed odds: Too early to inform

Yoenis Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs), age 24

As a part of the brand new era of aggressive Cuban fighters, “El Bandolero” has turned just a few heads of late as he continues to be matched decently powerful by PBC regardless of simply 10 professional bouts. A large choice win over former unified champion Julian Williams in March showcased simply how proficient Tellez seems to be. 

Professionals: A balanced boxer/puncher, Tellez has proven excellent energy early on and a ton of poise for such a younger fighter. He has additionally fought higher competitors of late than a few of his younger contemporaries, together with Zayas. 

Cons: Not a complete lot to talk of as of but however time will inform. 

Undisputed odds: Like Zayas, it is too early but it surely’s trending upward 

Wild Playing cards

Erickson Lubin (26-2, 18 KOs), age 29

After forgoing the Olympic path to show professional proper out of highschool, Lubin has been a part of the prolonged title image at 154 kilos for what looks like a really very long time. A pair of wins in 2023 over Luis Arias and Ramos appeared to have Lubin on the verge of one other title shot till he took off all of final yr to take care of private points and rejuvenate his motivation. Lubin returns in Could to face unbeaten Ardreal Holmes Jr. in what might be his remaining step again as much as the highest. 

Professionals: A superb athlete with spectacular energy in his left hand, “The Hammer” has additionally confirmed to be prepared to combine it up and go for it, as evidenced by him co-authoring 2022’s struggle of the yr in opposition to Fundora. 

Cons: Sturdiness has all the time been a priority as Lubin has been stopped twice in title bouts (Charlo, Fundora) regardless of proudly owning a handful of high quality wins in opposition to revered contenders. 

Undisputed odds: Low to mid

Charles Conwell (21-0, 16 KOs), age 27

A 2016 U.S. Olympian who fights out of Cleveland, the one factor Conwell has lacked to date in his eight years as a professional is the fitting promotional push to raise him into significant fights. 

Professionals: As a boxer/puncher with good energy, Conwell has lengthy had all the expertise to be a future contender atop the division. 

Cons: He nonetheless stays largely untested in opposition to high 10 foes and sat out two years starting in 2022 earlier than returning to attain a trio of wins final yr in opposition to much less competitors. 

Undisputed odds: Low

Callum Walsh (13-0, 11 KOs), age 24

Nicknamed “The King,” the native of Eire has so much going for him between his coach (HOFer Freddie Roach), his promoter (Loeffler) and his deep-pocketed adviser (UFC CEO Dana White). And although he may not be “the highest prospect in all of boxing,” as he was proclaimed throughout a current look within the crowd on WWE’s “SmackDown,” Walsh stays an intriguing prospect who might see himself grow to be an enormous a part of the brand new boxing league that TKO, which owns WWE and UFC, has overtly introduced, alongside the bankroll of Saudi Arabia and Turki Alalshikh. 

Professionals: With good dimension for the burden class, the southpaw Walsh is creating a good spotlight reel of knockouts. He is additionally extremely poised and never afraid of the highlight for somebody so younger.

Cons: Critics have appeared to take pleasure in selecting aside his resume as, regardless of the sturdy hype surrounding him and his already confirmed capacity to promote tickets, now we have but to see how good he actually is in opposition to a harmful title or veteran contender throughout the division.

Undisputed odds: Inconclusive