Tim Tszyu’s hyped Las Vegas debut against American superstar Keith Thurman has just got a whole lot bigger – with WBO officials confirming a win will likely see the Australian thrust into a blockbuster against the greatest fighter on the planet.

In a nod to Tszyu’s growing reputation Stateside, WBO president Paco Valcarcel has revealed Terence Crawford will begin talks this week about potentially moving up to super welterweight to challenge the undefeated 29-year-old should he get past Thurman next month.

Already, boxing’s pound-for-pound king holds the WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight titles, and had initially been chasing a rematch with Errol Spence Jnr or, potentially, a superfight with fellow star Canelo Alvarez.

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Yet Valcarcel says Crawford is now in discussions to use his own WBO strap to become the mandatory for Tszyu – who faces Thurman in a huge fight at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, March 31 (AEST).

While the undefeated Sydneysider will not be putting his belt on the line for that bout, the headlines, and status, following a win means Crawford suddenly looms as a genuine chance of being his next opponent in 2024.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia in Las Vegas only last fortnight, Tszyu also confirmed Crawford was a chance to be next for him, revealing talks between the two camps were already underway.

“There have been talks between us,” he said.

“And I give Crawford all respect. He’ll fight anyone.

“And that’s why I see him as such a great challenge.

“But I also see him as being beatable.

“But there’s a lot going on (regarding who could be next).

“It could be Crawford, Errol Spence, whichever one is easiest to make.

“That’s why this upcoming fight means so much … I win and the possibilities are endless.”

Better, the WBO president has also now doubled down in an interview involving Fighthype this week, with Valcarcel saying of the Tszyu/Thurman headliner: “The winner of that fight will have a tough cookie for his next mandatory, let me tell you.

“Crawford will be here next week.

“We’re going to talk about that fight.

“I’m not authorised to tell (more, but) he love to fight at 154.

“But I’m not authorised to make it public.

“I have been talking to Crawford for long now … he’ll be in Puerto Rico on Friday. You are the first person I’ve talked to about the possibility of Crawford moving to 154”.

While Crawford could stay at 147pds and face IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis – a fight which would attract huge attention in the US – he is keener, apparently, to move up and earn a fourth division world title.

Back in January, Team Crawford trainer Bernie Davis declared Tszyu “the most attractive” option for his fighter – following three big wins last year against Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo and Brian Mendoza.

Initially, the US superstar had seemed headed for a rematch with Errol Spence – who has since required cataract surgery, scuppering those plans.

There have also been talks around Crawford fighting a host of other big names including Canelo, Ennis, Devin Haney, Jermell Charlo and Teofimo Lopez.

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Yet speaking on MillCity Boxing last month, Davis revealed Tszyu as the new clubhouse leader for Crawford’s next fight, stressing his charge was keen to continue chasing history by moving up to claim gold in a fourth weight class.

“I think Tszyu will be the right one since we can’t get (Errol) Spence,” Davis said.

“We want to move up and make history, have something to get up for.

“And even though ‘Boots’ is an attractive option, I think Tszyu just edges him a little bit.

“I think Tszyu has fought the better competition, I think he’s been looking more spectacular in his fights and he got the country [Australia] behind him.

“Plus, he has something that we want.

“It’s another weight class to jump and it’s another something to aspire to.

“So that’s where I would think we would land.”

Asked if the fight would be held in America or Australia, where it could easily be a blockbuster stadium show, Davis added: “It’s a big fight wherever”.

While Tszyu has long chased a bout with Charlo, he now concedes that fight may now happen.

Asked recently if the division’s former unified king ever fights again, the Aussie replied: “I don’t think so.

“I actually think Charlo’s had a breakdown. A mental breakdown.

“Doing drugs and alcohol, that doesn’t help.

“Or letting things out on your partner.

“That’s why I won’t jump on the bloke too much right now, he’s going through a hell of a time.”

What, if anything, would bring him back?

“His money runs out,” Tszyu continued.

“If that happens, maybe he’s back because clearly it’s all about money for him. Not legacy.

“But there is unfinished business between us so he does need to sort his s… out.”

Alvarez, meanwhile, has no shortage of potential opponents as the Mexican also looks to decide which promoter he will work with moving forward. His hit list includes the likes of Jaime Munguia, Edgar Berlanga, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo.