Fundora Beats Tszyu To Become WBO and WBC Champ – But Should The Fight Have Been Stopped?
After securing a split decision win over Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora is the WBO and WBC Junior Middleweight Champion.
The contest was a last-minute match-up after Keith Thurman withdrew from injury. Fundora took his place as Tszyu was dealing with a six-foot-five southpaw. The WBO champion aimed to add the vacant WBC belt to his collection. He started the first two rounds well, popping Fundora’s head back with his right hand in both rounds.
Tszyu Starts Well
Fundora’s nose appeared broken, as Tszyu was dominating. But at near the end of the second, the fight changed. Tszyu moved into Fundora’s elbow, causing bleeding from above the hairline.
Heading into the third, Tszyu was a different fighter. His vision was hampered as Fundora began landing with his jab. The fight could arguably have been stopped for a no-contest, but the ringside doctor did not make that call.
Momentum Changes
Tsyzu did well to land his counter-right hand in the sixth, but the bleeding was not helping. His corner worked overtime to stop the cut, with the ringside doctor allowing Tszyu to start the seventh. The WBO champion’s eye had excessive swelling, as he was blinking continuously in the tenth.
Tszyu had some success in the tenth, landing with his right hand. Fundora came back with his left out of the southpaw stance, leaving Tszyu knowing he needed a stoppage. The stoppage never came as Fundora won a split decision on the cards: 116-112, 112-116, 115-113. Following the fight, Errol Spence Jr. called Fundora out.
Post-Fight Comments
“Of course, he’s a world class fighter. He’s a world champion for a reason. The way I won my belt, it’s an honour to share a ring and make history with him,” Fundora
“I told you I’m an old throwback fighter. I couldn’t see, but all credit belongs to the man who won tonight. You know what, these things happen. The momentum was rolling, I was swinging hard in the first two rounds and then boom, you’re blinded completely. This is boxing, this is part of the sport.
“This thing happens. Congratulations to Fundora, he’s the new king of the 154 (pound division). We’ll bounce back. The arena showed up. I showed up still. No matter what. I’ll always bring the fight. I was given one week, no excuses. I’ll fight whoever, whenever. Even Errol Spence is here, I’ll fight him. Even Terence Crawford. You want a good scrap? You know who to call,” Tszyu
Boxing Fans
Rest Of The Card
Sebastian Fundora beat Tim Tszyu via a split decision (116-112, 115-113, 112-116)
Isaac Cruz beat Rolando Romero via a eighth-round TKO
Erislandy Lara beat Michael Zerafa via a second-round TKO
Julio Cesar Martinez beat Angelino Cordova via a majority decision (113-113, 114-112 x2)
Serhii Bohachuk beat Brian Mendoza via a unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111 x2)
Curmel Moton beat Anthony Cuba via a unanimous decision (80-72 x3)
Mirco Cuello beat Sulaiman Segawa via a unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 78-74)
Kaipo Gallegos beat Eric Howard via a unanimous decision (60-53 x2, 59-54)
Justin Villoria def. Erick Benitez via a unanimous decision (40-36 x3)
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