Coast bid for Tszyu return
Mayor wants to host world title rematch
Mayor Tom Tate wants Tim Tszyu’s comeback fight to happen on the Gold Coast, arguing he has a “perfect record” in the city.
Tszyu lost his debut Las Vegas fight and title to Sebastian Fundora in a bloody split decision at the weekend.
Tszyu’s promoters No Limits are already considering taking up a rematch clause in the fight contract in the hope that he can win back his belt.
While Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz said any rematch would occur in the US, Mr Tate wants it to happen here at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where Tszyu won two bouts in 2023.
“Tim showed tremendous courage and in the early rounds where he got a cut on his head, anyone who knows sport understands that the bleeding from it is quite consistent, it just gushes out and impedes the vision,” he said.
“He showed great courage, put it all on the table and continued and with that kind of energy, I think he is still a champion, so it would be a great honour to host the rematch here on the Gold Coast.
“It would have a lot of interest, people would come from all over Australia to see him fight again, it would certainly be a sellout and he has a perfect record here.”
Mr Tate said he would contact No Limits, headed by George Rose, to offer the Gold Coast as a location once his reelection was declared by the Queensland Electoral Commission this week.
Lewkowicz, speaking after the Sunday bout, welcomed a rematch.
“There’s a verbal rematch clause, and I believe the promoter needs to maximise the income of the fighter,” he said.
“Most likely he will have to wait one fight at least, recoup himself – Tszyu – then maybe we can do it again.
“It will be in America. First of all, we need to take care of business.”
Rose said a decision would be made this week on whether the rematch clause would be called in.
“He knows there’s a rematch clause and if we want to take it, we’ll take it,” Rose said. “I’m happy for a rematch to happen next, and good luck trying to get out of it. There is a timeline, and we’ll have a discussion over the next two days about when we’ll activate it.”
Tszyu insisted the loss was not a “setback”.
“I’ll have a two week rest, then I’ll get back to the gym. I want to fight the best. I want to make the mega-fights happen,” he said.
“I want the biggest fights. I’m still chasing them, I’m still at the top of the tree.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the city’s world-class sporting credentials are testament to attracting athletes from across the globe, including Tim Tszyu.
“We have proven that the Gold Coast loves hosting big sporting events, including two fights of Tim’s in 2023,” he said.
“We will catch up with the team at No Limits and discuss opportunities.”