Fundora Beats Tszyu With Split Decision Victory

Last Sat., Mar. 30, 6’6″ Sebastian “towering inferno” Fundora (23-1- 1, 13 KOs) was crowned the new WBC and WBO Jr. middleweight (154 lbs) champion of the world over former WBO champion Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17KOs).

Going into the fight Fundora was an underdog to defeat Tszyu and had lost his last bout and interim WBC Jr. middleweight title by knockout to Brian Mendoza almost a year ago.

Fundora received the call to face Tszyu on less than a week’s notice after former champion Keith Thurman withdrew due to injury. But Fundora was also scheduled to fight on the Tszyu vs Thurman card and had been in training.

All the talk centered on Tszyu as there were reports that the WBO sanctioning body had ordered the winner of Tszyu vs Fundora to face unified welterweight and “Pound for Pound” great Terrance Crawford.

Furthermore, it was reported that the Crawford and Tszyu camps were already negotiating, and Tszyu was to receive a $10 million purse for a fight against Crawford. It seemed as it was foregone conclusion that Tszyu would defeat Fundora and set up a “Superfight” with Crawford sometime in the Fall.

At the sound of the first bell to start round one, Tszyu boxed well for the first two rounds until Fundora’s elbow caused an accidental cut to Tszyu’s scalp. From round 3-12 Tszyu corner was unable to control the bleeding from the cut which impaired his vision as it gushed over his face.

Fundora suffered an apparent broken nose from Tszyu’s punches. Both fighters landed good punches until the end of the fight and were also drenched in blood. At the end of 12 rounds, the first judge scored the fight 116-112 in Tszyu’s favor, while the second judge scored it 116-112 for Fundora. The third judge scored it 115-113 for Fundora making it a split decision victory. Sebastian Fundora, for now, is the new King of the Jr. middleweights.

What’s next  for Fundora? Tszyu stated he wanted a rematch, and some floated the talk that he was contractually owed a rematch. Fundora’s promoter Lewkowizc said it was a verbal agreement, but he will honor it.

However, there is also some talk of Fundora facing former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence who all but challenged the new champion, Fundora, by stepping into the ring immediately after the fight during his post-fight interview of Fundora.

Fundora did express interest in fighting both Terrance Crawford and Errol Spence. However, Lewkowizc said he wanted to maximize Fundora’s earning potential. In other words, who can Fundora fight to earn the most money? Crawford, Spence, or a rematch with Tszyu?

If Fundora fights anyone but Terrance Crawford without the WBO’s permission, he will likely be stripped of his WBO title. For now, both Tszyu (cut to scalp) and Fundora (broken nose) have both been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Association for injuries sustained during the fight. Both will not be allowed to fight until May 15, 2024 pending clearance from their Health Providers.

It will be interesting to see who fights whom when the smoke clears and both fighters have healed. But for now, Sebastian Fundora is the new King of the Hill!

Contact Writer: Rluvsboxing@aol.com