Tim Tszyu and his boxing team have emerged as shock contenders to host the first sporting fixture at the new Sydney Football Stadium ahead of the Wallabies and the Sydney Roosters.
The $882 million upgrade of the SFS is almost complete and has been built for the purpose of being a world-class entertainment venue fit for sporting fixtures and live events such as music concerts.
The Sydney Roosters were expected to open the brand-new stadium on Friday, September 2, but The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis has revealed that Tszyu’s team has launched a last-minute bid.
“Every time you get there, it looks like it’s all but done and that’s why sports are clamouring to try and get the first crack at it,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The NRL and rugby have tried to call first dibs with the NRL looking like they have their nose in front.
“Tszyu’s camp is pushing, potentially, to usurp the NRL and have a fight at the end of August at the new SFS.
“It’s going to be long odds.”
The World Boxing Organization has ordered American boxer and current middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo to defend that title against Tszyu with all four welterweight belts up for grabs.
Upon hearing the order, Tszyu’s promoters No Limit Boxing have already got the ball rolling and commenced discussions with the Sydney Cricket Ground precinct to stage the fight on Sunday, August 28.
“Tim Tszyu has now got that world title fight coming up,” Carayannis continued.
“It’s mandatory against Jermell Charlo for later this year.
“Given the purse and other stuff that has to play at though, I do think the fight will take place in the US.”
The NSW government have stated that the first event at the new stadium will take place in early September once the project is completed.