Tim Tszyu is considering a shock return to the ring before the year is out – and potentially within weeks of his younger brother Nikita – as promoters No Limit plot a massive few months for both the siblings and breakout star Liam Paro.
Tszyu has also revealed he is changing up his team, with suggestions he could even again host camps in the US. It has been suggested Tszyu’s team changes will include head trainer and uncle Igor Goloubev, plus longtime manager Glen Jennings.
The revelation comes as Paro has also opened up to Fox Sports Australia about the “drastic power change” set to accompany his own hyped move to welterweight on Thursday night, which arrives in the form of an IBF world title eliminator against undefeated Frenchman David Papot.
Paro vs Papot | THURSDAY 18 SEPT 7PM AEST | Liam Paro’s quest to recapture gold continues, as he moves up in weight to take on undefeated Frenchman David Papot, with the winner set up to compete for the IBF Welterweight Title. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Having already won and lost a super lightweight crown in the past year, Paro is now moving up a division in the Brisbane showcase – with both the fighter and head coach Alfie Di Carlo insisting the Mackay southpaw is punching harder than ever.
“And this French bloke,” Di Carlo warned, “is going to feel it.”
Paro agreed, stressing: “I’ve got even more dynamite in my hands now”.
Elsewhere, Di Carlo also rejected suggestions his fighter’s current IBF title push could be blocked by any perceived bad blood with heavyweight UK promoter Eddie Hearn.
The trainer also stressed a win over Papot will see the Queenslander challenging to become a two-weight world champ in his next fight, and as early as the opening months of 2026.
Papot misses weight for Paro showdown | 05:35
It comes as No Limit’s Rose brothers are also currently discussing return fights for both Tszyu boys.
Despite having suffered three losses from his past four fights – albeit in world title bouts against Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev – Tim Tszyu’s return is set to draw plenty of interest and eyeballs.
Initially, it was thought the former world champ would spend the rest of this year regrouping after a July stoppage loss against Fundora.
However, following a lengthy getaway to Japan with wife Alexandra, the 30-year-old is now back training and considering a return in December.
On Wednesday evening, Tszyu posted on Instagram that he would be changing up his crew for his next fight.
It comes as Team Tszyu has been criticised following his most recent title losses, with Australian great Jeff Fenech branding them “clowns”.
“I wanted to make an official statement before it goes out to the public,” Tszyu wrote.
“Since my last fight, I’ve had time to reflect and I can feel that fire still burning inside me.
“I believe this next part of my journey will be my best yet. A more mature, smarter, and patient version of Tim Tszyu.
“To reach the next level, I’ve decided to restructure my team and bring in some new faces to support me on this next chapter.
“I’ll share more details soon but I wanted my supporters to hear it from me first.
“The best is yet to come.”
It comes as younger brother Nikita also remains on track for an all-Australian blockbuster with Michael Zerafa in November – which will almost certainly take place at a catchweight – while Paro can win his way into a showdown with new IBF welterweight king Lewis Crocker.
Only last Sunday, the fighting Irishman – who is promoted by Hearn — won the strap via a contentious split decision against Paddy Donovan.
Almost immediately however, his promoter began talking up a potential showdown with Matchroom stablemate, Conor Benn.
That inevitably led to suggestions Hearn may try to deliberately avoid Paro, who he also previously promoted until the Aussie split with Matchroom this year to join No Limit.
Di Carlo stressed however that he and his fighter had no problems with Hearn.
“Things didn’t end on bad terms with Eddie,” the trainer said. “It was just business.
“With Liam signing so young (to Matchroom), it meant he has been fighting on the road with them for five years.
“He also hasn’t really had the chance to become a star here, either.
“But now, I really think Liam can become the best thing Australia has in terms of pay-per-view potential.
“He’s also got a partner now, wants to start a family soon … so being away from home for long chunks is no longer ideal.
“Last year, in total, we were away four months.
“And that takes its toll.”
Paro ready to go in ‘guns blazing’ | 00:50
So as for talk of Benn stealing that IBF shot?
“Look, boxing is boxing,” he shrugged. “And politics will always be involved.
“But one of the great things about the IBF, they stick strong on their defences.
“So (Crocker) will have to defend in 120 days.
“And it’s my understanding, unless they know something we don’t, that Conor Benn already has a fight lined up at the end of the year.
“The other thing I’ll say is that I don’t think Benn makes welterweight.
“And if he does, it wouldn’t be as the same fighter.
“He would be seriously depleted.
“But I’ll also say that due to the Rose boys’ connections, Lewis Crocker isn’t the only champion we’re looking at, either.”
Paro, meanwhile, said he was ready to showcase his improved power against Papot.
‘Dramatic 24 hours’ after card chaos | 00:59
Back in June, the Queenslander took the first step towards his welterweight switch, taking on American Jonathan Navarro at a 65.2kg catchweight – and brutally stopping him within five rounds.
“And I’ve got even more dynamite in each hand now,” he said.
“This camp, there has been a drastic power change.
“And you can ask my sparring partners, they’ll tell you because the boys have been copping the brunt of it.
“I’m firing on all cylinders and ready to make a statement.
“I’m ready to test Papot’s chin.”
Di Carlo also praised the power behind his fighter’s new bulked up physique.
“People always underestimate how hard Liam can hit,” he said.
“But he’s a strong kid.
“Always has been.
“And you’re seeing now that as he’s turning into a man, he is knocking people out with that one shot power.
“In sparring this camp, Liam has been really strong.
“Physically, he has been holding that size, the width, and he’s hitting hard.
“Hitting real hard.
“It’s only going to get better too as he moves up and becomes a fully-fledged welterweight.”