‘BLOODY’ DISASTER
BLINDED TSZYU SUFFERS DEVASTATING FIRST LOSS
Tim Tszyu has refused to make excuses for losing his first professional bout, despite commentators believing his corner blundered by not having the correct ointment to treat his fight-changing cut against Sebastian Fundora.
American commentators said there were three ointments available to stop the bleeding on top of his head, after colliding with Fundora’s elbow at the end of the second round, but that his cutman Mark Gambin did not seem to have any of them.
Asked if he was happy with the ointments available in his corner, after he received 10 stitches post-fight, Tszyu said: “No comment”.
That was initially perceived as though Tszyu was upset at his corner, but team insiders later explained that he was adamant not to make it a talking point and offer any excuse for losing a split decision, making Fundora the WBC and WBA super-welterweight champion.
“[My corner] was just telling me to stay focused,” Tszyu said. “I remember going back to the corner, and [the blood] was just like a fountain.
“My eyesight was gone, literally couldn’t see.
“When you’re fighting with blurry vision, it’s not ideal.”
Tszyu said there was never a consideration from him or his
Icamp to try to have the fight stopped early – the ringside doctor twice inspected the profuse bleeding but allowed him to continue.
“I took Fundora the distance, I am who I am, I’m a warrior, a bit of blood never killed anybody,” Tszyu said.
Tszyu’s promoter George
Rose said there was no blame game within the Tszyu camp over the management of the cut.
“No, not at all,” Rose said. “What Tim said is spot on, he’s not buying into any of that. He’s got a great team around him.
“The size of that cut, and the position it was in, you saw it gushing out.
“I’m not the professional to talk on that, but I know they did a very good job of trying to contain what was a crazy cut.”
Rose was full of praise for Tszyu’s courage fighting through the injury.
“I’m very proud, he talks about being a warrior, he talks about how hard he wants to push himself, he showed that out there,” Rose said. “I’ve got nothing but respect for him and his team for the amount of work they put in.
“They were so prepared for that fight.
“A freak accident happens like that, with a waterfall of blood pouring into his eyes for 10 rounds, and he didn’t hesitate to get up off his stool and go back to war with a guy that, the odds were stacked in his favour for those 10 rounds.”
The blinded, bloodied Aussie put on one of Australian sport’s most heroic performances to last 12 rounds, but lost a heart-breaking split decision.
The ringside scores were 116-112 for Tszyu, and 116-112 and 115-113 in Fundora’s favour.