Jermell Charlo Retains Undisputed Super Welterweight Title with Unanimous Decision Over Tim Tszyu

Jermell Charlo successfully defended his undisputed super welterweight championship tonight at MGM Grand Garden Arena, defeating mandatory challenger Tim Tszyu by unanimous decision in a tactical masterclass that showcased the American's superior boxing IQ and ring generalship. All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Charlo, who used his experience and veteran savvy to neutralize the Australian's aggressive pressure style over 12 compelling rounds.

The fight began with both men showing mutual respect, as Tszyu looked to establish his jab and apply forward pressure while Charlo worked behind his own jab and looked for counter-punching opportunities. The early rounds were closely contested, with Tszyu appearing to edge the opening stanzas through consistent aggression and effective body work. However, Charlo began to find his range in the fourth round, landing clean combinations and demonstrating the kind of precise timing that has made him one of boxing's most accomplished champions at 154 pounds.

Charlo took control of the fight in the middle rounds, using superior footwork and ring craft to create angles that allowed him to land his best shots while avoiding Tszyu's power punches. The champion's jab became increasingly effective as the fight progressed, consistently finding its mark and disrupting the challenger's rhythm. "I knew I had to be smart tonight because Tim is a dangerous puncher who comes to fight," Charlo said during his post-fight interview. "I used my experience and stuck to the game plan that my team and I developed."

Tszyu, the 29-year-old son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu, showed tremendous heart and determination throughout the contest but struggled to solve Charlo's defensive puzzles consistently. The Australian had his best moments in rounds eight and nine, when he managed to back Charlo against the ropes and land some heavy shots that momentarily stunned the champion. However, Charlo's championship experience showed as he weathered the storm and immediately responded with clean counter-punches that regained control of the rounds.

The final three rounds saw Charlo box with the confidence of a champion who knew he was ahead on the scorecards, using movement and selective aggression to maintain his advantage. Tszyu continued to press forward and had moments of success, but Charlo's superior technical skills and ring awareness allowed him to stay one step ahead throughout the championship rounds. The Las Vegas crowd of 14,200 appreciated the high-level boxing display, though some sections were hoping for more explosive action.

With this victory, Charlo retains all four major titles at super welterweight (WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF) and extends his professional record to 37-1-1 with 22 knockouts. The 33-year-old Houston native has now made three successful defenses of his undisputed status and continues to establish himself as one of the premier pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. "I'm still the king at 154 pounds, and I'm ready for any challenge that comes next," Charlo declared.

For Tszyu, the defeat was disappointing but hardly damaging to his reputation, as he proved he belongs at the elite level of the division despite coming up short against one of boxing's most accomplished champions. The former Australian champion dropped to 24-1 with his first professional loss, though he earned respect for his effort and sportsmanship throughout the contest. "Jermell is a great champion, and he showed that tonight," Tszyu said graciously. "I'll go back to Australia, work on some things, and come back stronger."

Charlo's performance sets up potential unification fights or big-money superfights, with names like Terence Crawford and Errol Spence being mentioned as possible future opponents. The undisputed champion earned a reported $8 million for tonight's performance, while Tszyu received $3 million in what was the biggest payday of his professional career.