highlight
- Tszyu's dreams of becoming a unified world champion were dashed with a crushing loss to Fundora at T-Mobile Arena.
- Despite a valiant effort, a head injury sustained in the second round hampered his performance in the match against Fundora.
- Fundora's victory cemented his status as world champion, further adding to his family's boxing legacy and raising expectations for a possible rematch with Tszyu.
In a thrilling bloodbath at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Australian boxer Tim Tze's dream of following in the footsteps of his legendary father Kostya and becoming a unified world champion was put on hold by instant opponent Sebastian Fundora. suffered a defeat and was shattered. The fight cost Tszyu the WBO super welterweight belt and the vacant WBC strap, his first loss in 25 fights, and an opportunity to solidify his place among boxing's elite.
Tszyu has a rematch clause, allowing him to have a rematch with Fundora. Following a brutal loss to Terrence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. entered the ring and expressed his desire to challenge Fundora. But Terrence Crawford also has the privilege of adding his own hat to the mix and enforcing mandatory status as WBO champion.
Boxing Tonight: Tim Tzu vs. Sebastian Fundora – Start time, live streaming, undercard card
With Keith Thurman out due to injury, Tim Tzu will be making his first title defense against Towering Inferno's Sebastian Fundora.
Tim Tze is gracious about his first loss
Fundora joins sister as world champion
The bout culminated in a split decision, with the judges scoring it 116-112, 115-113, and 112-116 in Fundora's favor. Tszyu's unfortunate run began in the second round when he inadvertently hit Fundora's elbow, causing a large gash to his head. Despite the setback, Tszyu showed resilience and dominated the early exchanges with powerful right strikes that put Fundora on the defensive.
Despite blood pouring from his face, Tzu persisted with the fight doctor's permission. However, Fundora took advantage of Tszyu's visual impairment to tie the score. As both fighters engaged in a bloodbath, Tszyu struggled to execute his usual tactics while Fundora took advantage of the Sydney native's poor visibility to aim for his opponent's head.
Tim Tzu to face Sebastian Fundora after Keith Thurman injury
Tim Tzu will defend his WBO light middleweight title against Sebastián Fundora, with Keith Thurman injured.
Despite Tszyu's valiant efforts to secure a knockout, Fundora's strategic approach and Tszyu's diminished performance due to injury ultimately turned the result in Fundora's favor. The win not only cements Fundora's status as world champion, but also adds to his family's boxing legacy, joining his sister Gabriella, who won the IBF flyweight world title earlier this year. became.
Tszyu took the loss in stride and explained how the cut affected his performance.
“These things happen. The momentum was flailing. I was swinging hard in the first round, and then 'boom' I went completely blind. But look, this is boxing. This is part of the sport and it happens. Congratulations to Fundora – he is the new king of his 154th year. ”
Tszyu's loss may be a setback, but his courageous performance and determination will maintain his status as boxing's rising star and raise expectations for a possible rematch.
