Tszyu’s next big shot is on hold
Tim Tszyu is being sidelined by the WBO from a rematch with Sebastian Fundora, instead ordering the new super-welterweight champion to defend his belt against a different opponent by the end of the year.
It means Tszyu will now likely have to wait until 2025 for his chance to become world champion again, following a defeat that continues to have compounding effects on his career.
The WBO has released a statement saying Fundora must fight their “interim champion”, which will be the winner of Terence Crawford versus Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.
Despite Tszyu having a rematch clause with Fundora, and Fundora’s camp stating they would have a second fight against the Australian when both recovered from their gruesome injuries, the WBO’s move essentially shafts Tszyu – who took the Fundora fight on 12 days’ notice to save the debut Amazon Prime pay-perview boxing show.
Taking into consideration that Fundora cannot resume training until September after his nose was broken by Tszyu, the WBO has ruled he must defend his belt by December 31.
Tszyu’s manager, Glen Jennings, said: “We respect the sanctioning bodies and what they do, but we won’t be dictated to by anyone as to who, where and when Tim fights.”
No Limit Boxing director Matt Rose was unperturbed.
“A week is a long time in boxing,” Rose said.
“We understand there is plenty of noise. We have a rematch with Fundora, we will continue to have those discussions and assess other options, and then work out what the best scenario is for Tim.”