Tim Tszyu is reportedly contemplating a surprising return to the ring before the end of the year — potentially within weeks of his younger brother Nikita’s upcoming fight — as promoters No Limit craft a high-stakes plan for both siblings alongside rising star Liam Paro. The Australian boxing scene is bracing for a flurry of action as fans anticipate not only Tszyu’s comeback but also Paro’s major leap to welterweight.
Adding intrigue to his potential return, Tszyu has confirmed he will be reshaping his team, with hints that he may once again conduct training camps in the United States. The 30-year-old’s next move has already generated considerable discussion following his challenging run over the past year, including losses to Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev in world title bouts. Despite setbacks, Tszyu remains a figure capable of commanding global attention.
Paro is also stepping into the spotlight with a significant weight-class shift. Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, the fighter highlighted the “drastic power change” accompanying his move to welterweight. This Thursday night, he will face undefeated Frenchman David Papot in an IBF world title eliminator, a pivotal bout that could set him on the path to another world championship.
Having previously both won and lost a super lightweight crown in the past year, Paro now moves up a division in the Brisbane showcase. Head coach Alfie Di Carlo emphasized the increasing potency behind Paro’s punches. “And this French bloke,” Di Carlo warned, “is going to feel it.”
Paro himself confirmed the change in his striking power. “I’ve got even more dynamite in my hands now,” he said, signaling confidence in his enhanced capacity to make an impact in the welterweight division. Di Carlo also dismissed concerns that any friction with UK promoter Eddie Hearn could derail Paro’s IBF title aspirations. The coach further noted that a victory over Papot would position Paro to contend for a two-weight world championship as early as the first months of 2026.
The broader No Limit Promotions strategy also involves the Tszyu brothers. Despite Tim Tszyu experiencing three losses in his past four fights, promoters remain bullish about the interest his return will generate. After a July stoppage defeat to Fundora, it was assumed Tim would spend the remainder of 2025 regrouping. Yet, following a rejuvenating trip to Japan with his wife Alexandra, he is back in training and considering a December return.
On Wednesday evening, Tszyu posted an update on Instagram indicating changes to his team. “I wanted to make an official statement before it goes out to the public,” he 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.”
Meanwhile, Nikita Tszyu is on course for an all-Australian blockbuster showdown with Michael Zerafa in November, likely at a catchweight. Paro’s successful move to welterweight could pave the way for a title clash against the new IBF champion Lewis Crocker, who recently claimed the belt with a contentious split decision victory over Paddy Donovan. Discussions are already underway for potential matchups, although concerns have surfaced regarding promoter politics, given that Hearn also represents Crocker.
Di Carlo, however, remains unfazed by any potential friction. “Things didn’t end on bad terms with Eddie,” he 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.”
As for speculation that Conor Benn could intercept Paro’s IBF shot, Di Carlo remained measured: “Look, boxing is boxing. 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 is preparing to demonstrate his enhanced power against Papot in Brisbane. Reflecting on his earlier adjustment to welterweight during a June fight against American Jonathan Navarro at a 65.2kg catchweight, Paro explained: “And I’ve got even more dynamite in each hand now. 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 underscored the physical transformation behind Paro’s new power. “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.”
With Tszyu potentially returning, Nikita’s blockbuster fight looming, and Paro’s power-packed debut at welterweight imminent, Australian boxing is entering a thrilling period that promises high drama, explosive matchups, and plenty of attention both domestically and internationally.