Tim Tszyu is suggesting he anticipates overcoming WBC junior middleweight titleholder Sebastian Fundora on the upcoming Saturday, mirroring his victory over Jeff Horn back in 2020. Tszyu, holding a record of 25 wins, 2 losses, and 18 knockouts, and Fundora, with 22 victories, 1 defeat, and 1 draw alongside 14 KOs, are slated for a rematch on July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena situated in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcasted via PBC on Prime Video PPV.
(Credit: Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions)
Tszyu Foresees a Triumph Similar to Horn Bout
“It evokes the same feeling I experienced before the Jeff Horn fight. The inquiries are coming in, and the answers will be provided,” Tim Tszyu communicated to the press concerning his rematch with Sebastian Fundora. “More commanding,” Tszyu expressed when questioned if spectators could anticipate a fight mirroring the Horn clash of 2020.
The former welterweight champion, Jeff Horn, presents a contrasting style compared to Fundora. Horn was physically smaller and lacked the necessary skills or a viable strategy for that particular match. His approach largely involved attempting to overwhelm Tszyu physically. That confrontation transpired five years ago, at a time when Tim was 25. He has since evolved into a superior fighter. He has aged and experienced two defeats in his most recent three matches.
“I am filled with confidence. I don’t believe so. Not from my perspective,” Fundora conveyed to Jai McAllister when asked whether he harbored any animosity toward Tszyu. “Just as he had 11 days for preparation, I also had 11 days for preparation. There exist no advantages [in this rematch].”
Fundora is not inclined to harbor resentment. It is understandable, considering his victory in the previous encounter. Thus, there is no apparent basis for anger or hostility toward Tszyu. If anything, Tim might have reason to direct his frustration inward for failing to adapt once the situation began to deteriorate for him against Fundora.
Tszyu’s Justification Involving a Cut is Dismissed
“Having blood obstructing your vision is not a pleasant experience. However, just as you are observing me at this moment, I noticed him gazing at me with focused eyes,” Fundora remarked regarding the cut Tszyu sustained in the second round of their previous fight. “I didn’t witness it directly impairing his vision. Perhaps it dripped from the eyebrow. Regardless, I secured the win. I returned home with two championship belts. It may have slightly bothered him.”
It appeared that Tszyu exhibited no signs of squinting following the cut. Throughout the majority of the fight, he maintained direct eye contact with Fundora, without attempting to clear his vision. It seems unusual that Tszyu has elected to cite the cut as the justification for his defeat. He appears unwilling to acknowledge the underlying reality.
Fundora: Tszyu’s Professional Path is Secure
“I don’t believe so. He was defeated by a champion,” Fundora responded when asked whether Tszyu’s career was at risk should he suffer another loss on Saturday. “We have witnessed the outcome when he engaged with Joey Spencer at a lower competitive tier. How rapidly did that fight conclude? Very swiftly. He is a fighter of world-class caliber. He merits his presence on this platform. Another defeat against me, I believe, will not significantly impede his career,” Fundora stated.
A loss might have a more substantial impact on Tszyu’s career than Sebastian anticipates. Such a result would yield a record of 1 win and 3 losses in his last four matches. It is a cause for concern when a fighter repeatedly loses to opposition at the world level. Tszyu has not yet truly contended with the other prominent fighters in the 154-pound division. He has been largely relying on his victories over Jeff Horn, Brian Menzoza, Carlos Ocampo, Tony Harrison, and Terrell Gausha.
