Tim Tszyu could be in line for a world title fight after the WBO made the Australian the official mandatory for its super welterweight strap currently held by Brian Castano.
According to Tszyu's team, a potential bout with Castano will likely be held in February 2022, with plans for Tszyu to fight once before then, in November.
Tszyu and Russia's Magomed Kurbanov were in the running to become the WBO's number one contender at 154-pounds.
In early August, both camps filed arguments in support of their boxer's claims to number one status with the sanctioning body.
Team Tszyu and Team Kurbanov went back-and-forth, reviewing and offering counter arguments via email over the next week.
Included in arguments in Tszyu's favour are his perfect record, his PPV stardom in Australia, that he headlined two stadium shows despite the COVID-19 pandemic and that his fights are picked up by broadcasters around the world.
"Having carefully examined the parties' submissions, the uncontested facts stated herein and having reviewed the WBO Regulations of World Championships Contests and applicable provisions, we are of the position that Tim Tszyu best satisfies the required criteria for the designation of Mandatory Challenger in the Jr. Middleweight Division," the WBO said in a statement.
"It is undisputable that per the WBO Jr. Middleweight ratings, Participant Tim Tszyu occupies the highest classified position, occupying the number one spot.
"In contrast, Participant Magomed Kurbanov sits at the number two highest position in the division."
Tszyu's wins over former WBO champion Jeff Horn and former WBO title challenger Dennis Hogan also factored into the decision.
Castano is coming off a controversial split draw against WBC, WBA and IBF champion Jermell Charlo in July. Many observers had the Argentine winning the bout.
Tszyu is the number one contender with the WBO and IBO and is third with the WBC and IBF.
Last last year, Tszyu had been eyeing up a shot at the WBO title when Brazilian Patrick Teixeira held the belt.
Teixeira lost the belt to Castano in a one-sided unanimous decision in February before Castano's unification bout with Charlo.
A fight between Tszyu and Castano could be made for later this year unless Castano receives a exception to rematch Charlo.
Tszyu reacted to the WBO's news on social media on Saturday.
"You can run but now you can’t hide," he wrote.
"I’m Coming for ALL of it. #mandated."
Castano has previsouly said he isn't interested in a fight with Tszyu, telling The Daily Telegraph the Sydneysider needs more experience.
“Tim Tszyu is a good fighter, but I need a better fighter,” Castano said.
“I respect his career, but he needs more fights.
"He needs more experience and to fight other opponents."
There will also be significant negotiations around where the fight will be held.
“I need the fight here, not in Australia," Castano told the Daily Telegraph.
"Why he’s not coming here?
"I need the fight here, the people watch me, and they know me here in the USA. My work is here in the USA.”