LAS VEGAS: Tim Tszyu’s valiant effort was marred by a gash above his forehead as he faced off against Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas. The clash saw Tszyu’s World Boxing Organization junior middleweight title and the vacant World Boxing Council crown at stake.
Tszyu, initially showcasing a strong start, encountered adversity in the second round when an accidental collision with Fundora’s elbow left him with a deep bleeding gash above his forehead. Despite the setback, Tszyu displayed unwavering determination, his face stained crimson with blood for much of the fight.
Ultimately, judges scored the bout 116-112 and 115-113 in favor of Fundora, securing him a split decision victory. The triumph marked Fundora’s ascent as the tallest 154-pound champion in history, with Tszyu acknowledging his opponent’s deserving victory.
Reflecting on the fight, Tszyu, hailing from Sydney and son of former world champion Kostya Tszyu, admitted that the blood impairing his vision significantly impacted his performance. Nevertheless, he credited Fundora for his remarkable achievement, acknowledging him as the rightful victor.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Tszyu conveyed resilience, vowing to bounce back from this setback. Meanwhile, Fundora expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hailed Tszyu’s sportsmanship, emphasizing the honor of sharing the ring with him.
The Las Vegas card also witnessed other gripping encounters, including Julio Cesar Martinez’s successful defence of his WBC flyweight title and Erislandy Lara’s retention of his WBA middleweight crown.
Despite the disappointment, Tszyu’s indomitable spirit and sportsmanship shine through, serving as a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. As he looks ahead to his next challenge, Tszyu remains determined to continue his pursuit of excellence in the world of boxing.
