The prospect of fighting Terence Crawford has “raised the stakes” for Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora, according to Tszyu.

Crawford, widely considered the world’s finest fighter, has been installed as the mandatory challenger to the WBO light-middleweight title Tszyu attempts to defend on Saturday at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where he and Fundora will also contest the WBC title.

Regardless of the 26-year-old Fundora representing a late-notice replacement for Keith Thurman, the occasion represents the highest profile of Tszyu’s career, but after missing out on the undisputed title fight with Jermell Charlo he had long targeted, he recognises that a date with Crawford would prove even more significant.

“The stakes are higher,” the 29 year old said. “A superfight’s on the way. Greatness and destiny awaits. He’s great. It’s undeniable, what he’s achieved – he’s great. You can’t lie about that. He’s a tremendous fighter, and what he’s done in his career is pretty crazy.

“He can [compete if he moves up to 154lbs]. He’s got the skills; he’s strong as well. I don’t think he’s got a problem with that weight division – it depends who he fights. 

“I don’t want to disrespect the other guys but he’s definitely in the [pound for pound] top three. [Naoya] Inoue and [Saul] ‘Canelo’ Alvarez [are the other two]. The size difference [between Alvarez and Crawford if, as has been suggested, they fight] would be too much, but at the same time, Canelo did start at 154lbs and moved up – but he’s even bulkier now. But you can never underestimate Crawford, because he’s got the skills.”

Charlo chose to move up to super middleweight to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and produced a disappointing performance that damaged his reputation at a time when a fight between he and Tszyu, then the world’s two leading light middleweights, was among those the world most wanted to see.

“Last year proved that I’m the man at 154,” the Australian continued. “I was the one that fought everyone; took everyone out [Tszyu defeated Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo and Brian Mendoza in 2023]. 

“I’m gonna keep cementing myself as the best 154-pounder alive. This is my division.”