Tim Tze He didn't hold back on his former rivals, which would have infuriated Keith Thurman, who withdrew from next week's mega-boxing showdown with a muscle injury. Tszyu would have been left frustrated after news broke on Monday night that American boxer Thurman injured his biceps during training and would withdraw from the bout.
The Australian was aiming to headline a main event show in the US for the first time and was keen to take on the popular American. However, due to injuries, the showdown fell apart and substitutions were needed. Tzu could have postponed the show, but it was announced that he would instead fight American powerhouse Sebastian Fundora.
Although it wasn't the shocking fight that Tszyu had hoped for, this bout will give him a chance to add the WBC super welterweight championship belt to his WBO collection. The fight with Thurman was not a scheduled title fight because he was not at the appropriate weight.
After a night of negotiations, Tszyu won't be putting the belt on the line as the fight against Fundora will be held at one pound over the limit. Tzu is ready to add another belt to his collection, but Tuesday didn't waste any time trying to beat his rivals.
He also drew attention to boxing's superstars, mentioning megastars Terrence Crawford and Errol Spence as future opponents. The Australian hopes a win over Fundora could land him a big payday with either American.
I'm used to the word “pulling out” Thurman, Charlo, Zerafa, Rubin…
And as always, the show continues…see you again on March 30th.— Tim Tszyu (@Tim_Tszyu) March 18, 2024
A battle for the future @SebastianFundo1 Old ideas from the era of unification.
Then a big fish. Spence or Crawford.
— Tim Tszyu (@Tim_Tszyu) March 19, 2024
Tim Tse wants to emulate his father's belt feats
Twee is praised for his old-school style, which kept the show alive to take on new fighters on just 12 days' notice. The Australian and his new opponent will have an interesting match with Fundora, who is used to intense battles with his opponents. Tszyu will have to change his tactics against Fundora, a 26-year-old American southpaw who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall.
Although his opponent has changed, Tszyu will be aiming for a new belt. And if he can win the WBC super welterweight title, he will be following in his father's footsteps. Kostya Tszyu He won the WBC belt from Miguel Angel Gonzalez 25 years ago, and had already won the IBF belt a few years before that.
Tszyu's new opponent is about 6 inches taller than Thurman. He was scheduled to face Ukraine's Serhii Bokhatyuk for the vacant WBC super middleweight belt on the card, but that was moved to the main event. Fundora's only loss was to Brian Mendoza last year. Later that year, Tszyu defeated Mendoza with a unanimous decision victory.
Tszyu has suffered many setbacks in his career, including opponents withdrawing. He was expected to fight former regional champion Jermell Charlo for all the belts in January 2023 in Las Vegas. Charlo injured his hand during training and withdrew from the match.
He then postponed the fight before withdrawing entirely to move up in weight and take a big-money bout with Canelo Alvarez. Tszyu has since given up on calling out Charlo, claiming he is “maintaining a division.”
Tim Tse is an old-school fighter. He doesn't miss a beat and takes on any challenger. This sport needs more players like that.
— Ray Flores (@SBRFlores) March 18, 2024
