It was the unexpected decision that has given Koen Mazoudier a chance of a lifetime.
The Western Sydney super welterweight (15-4-1, 6 KO), who has been a mainstay on the domestic scene for several years, will face former world champion Jermall Charlo in the co-main event of the Errol Spence Jr vs Tim Tszyu bout on July 26 at Sydney’s Afterpay Arena.
Koen Mazoudier speaks to reporters on Friday. 9News
The move is a curious one by No Limit, since Mazoudier has primarily campaigned at 154 pounds, making it a massive step up against a former middleweight titleholder.
Speaking to reporters in Sydney on Friday morning, along with Tszyu, Mazoudier thanked God, his team and promoters for the opportunity, and donned a Socceroos jersey to display his underdog status.
“The odds are stuck against me. I’m going to be a massive underdog on the betting sites,” he said.
“And on paper, everything’s against me. He’s bigger than me, more experienced, a former champion.
“He’s a former world champion. But, you know, the odds are against me, I’m against the odds.
“That’s why I’m repping the soccer jersey for Australia, they play USA tomorrow, where they are underdogs, I believe we’re going to get that win as well.
“I’m ready for this challenge, and it’s going to be one of the biggest achievements on my life once I get that win.”
The clash is easily the biggest mismatch of Charlo’s (34-0, 23KO) career and the Houston native will enter the ring for the third time in five years.
The move is a curious one by No Limit, since Mazoudier has primarily campaigned at 154 pounds, making it a massive step up against a former middleweight titleholder.
The NSW government secured the card despite strong interest from the Gold Coast and Perth.
The fight against Spence is the first for Tszyu under new trainer Jeff Fenech, after two outings under the guidance of Pedro Diaz.
Tim Tszyu. (News
Spence was once the unified champ of the welterweight division, holding the WBA, WBC, and IBF straps.
However, his bout against Tszyu will be his first in three years since his first and only loss, to Terence Crawford.
“I feel like I’m defending my land,” Tszyu said at a press conference in Sydney on Friday.
“Usually, I’m smart, calculated that’s how I am, but I really want to hurt this guy. I respect what he’s done, but we’re not friends in there that’s for sure.”
Philadelphia fighter Fulton, (23-2 8 KOs) will take on former title challenger Liam Wilson, after losing via decision to O’Shaquie Foster in December.
Wilson has won five straight since a loss to Oscar Valdez in early 2024.
Rising Aussie star Callum Peters will face Michigan native Joseph Hicks, while Tokyo Olympian and undefeated southpaw star Paulo Aokuso will also be on the undercard with an opponent to be determined. In other clashes, Paul Fleming will take on Ahmed Reda, while fellow Olympian Tona Rahimi will also be on the card.
July 26 Sydney Fight Card
Tim Tszyu vs Errol Spence
Jermall Charlo vs Koen Mazoudier
Stephen Fulton Jr vs Liam Wilson
Callum Peters vs Joseph Hicks
Ahmad Reda vs Paul Fleming
Paulo Aokuso vs TBC
Tina Rahimi vs TBC