- Tim Tszyu’s split-decision defeat will likely bring his career to a halt
- This is because a rematch against Sebastian Fundora is unlikely
- Fundora’s agent focuses on the next fight against Terence Crawford
Australian boxer Tim Tszyu faces an uncertain future after confirming he will not get a re-match with Sebastian Fundora.
The development comes as Fundora, the new WBC and WBO light middleweight world champion, is likely to follow a request from boxing officials to defend his titles against pound for pound king Terence Crawford.
In a major blow to Tszyu, it was revealed on Monday that the WBO has made Crawford the mandatory challenger for Fundora’s title following the 12-round slugfest in Las Vegas on Sunday AEDT.
The son of boxing king Kostya Tszyu started his fight ominously, but a stray elbow from the ‘Towering Inferno’ opened a nasty gash high on his forehead in the second round.
Tszyu – now (24-1) – said after the fight that he was “blinded” by his own blood as he suffered his first defeat in 25 fights via split decision.
Australian boxer Tim Tszyu faces an uncertain future after confirming he will not get a re-match with Sebastian Fundora
New WBC and WBO world champion Sebastian Fundora (right) is likely to comply with a request from boxing officials to defend his titles against pound for pound king Terence Crawford
Fundora used his reach well and managed to get the points decision over the Australian after twelve brutal rounds
Both fighters were covered in blood for most of Sunday’s brutal match in Las Vegas
Tzsyu’s bold decision to take on 197cm Fundora with less than two weeks’ notice could have serious consequences for his career
Many felt the fight should have been stopped after the accidental elbow, considering how deep Tszyu’s cut was.
While Tszyu was praised for his bravery, reality soon set in when Fundora’s camp claimed he was under no obligation to fight Tszyu next.
That comes despite Tszyu’s promoter No Limit Boxing insisting that a re-match clause is in place, and that the fight would take place on Australian shores.
Tellingly, ESPN has since reported that there was no rematch clause in the contracts signed by either fighter.
With Fundora initially tipped to enter the ring next against former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr, Crawford made this clear sooner or later he wanted to compete with his compatriot on social media.
Crawford also taunted Tszyu on Xwith the post: ‘You’re lost, sir, I have to work my way back up.’
Respected boxing journalist Michael Benson then posted WBO president Paco Valcarcel confirmed this the governing body will order Fundora to put its fight against Crawford on the line.
The news leaves Tszyu needing to win his next fight before his team at No Limit Boxing must then consider the next best fight to potentially win back his two belts.
It follows Spence Jr (28-1) who declared he was desperate to fight Fundora next, which surprised the Australian.
Tszyu said, “Interesting. I would also like to fight Errol Spence. Let me know if you’d like to join in.’
The problem for Tszyu is that he no longer has any influence.