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Tim Tszyu faced a devastating defeat in his quest to become a unified world boxing champion, falling short against Sebastian Fundora in a thrilling bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a split decision, the judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113, 112-116 in favor of Fundora, marking Tszyu's first defeat in 25 fights. The Australian boxer surrendered his WBO super welterweight belt and the vacant WBC strap, missing the chance to etch his name among the sport's elite.
The turning point came in the second round when Tszyu inadvertently walked into Fundora's elbow, causing a massive gash on his head. Despite the setback, Tszyu fought on valiantly, but Fundora capitalized on his compromised vision to level the score.
Speaking after the fight, Tszyu displayed sportsmanship, acknowledging Fundora's victory.
"I told you, I’m an old throwback fighter whatever circumstances. I couldn’t see but all credit belongs to the man who won tonight," Tszyu said.
"These things happen. The momentum was rolling. I was swinging hard in the first rounds and then ‘boom’, you’re blinded completely. But, look, this is boxing. This is part of the sport and it happens. Congratulations to Fundora – he’s the new king at 154 (pounds).”
Despite dominating the early exchanges and landing heavy blows, Tszyu was unable to secure the win, as Fundora strategically targeted his head while the Australian struggled to clear the blood from his eyes.
The fight was a bloody affair, with both fighters sustaining cuts and bruises. Fundora's victory not only cements his status as a formidable boxer but also adds to his family's boxing legacy, as his younger sister Gabriela is also a world champion after winning the IBF flyweight world title earlier this year.
The defeat is a setback for Tszyu, but the young boxer has shown resilience and determination throughout his career, and it's likely he'll bounce back stronger from this loss.