Tim Tszyu found his ambitions of following in the footsteps of his father Kostya thwarted in a bid to win the unified world boxing championship. His hopes were dashed by American Sebastian Fundora in a grueling match.
Tszyu ended up losing for the first time and gave up the WBO super welterweight title. He also lost the opportunity to win the vacant WBC title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which would have elevated him to the top of the sport.
Tszyu was defeated by Fundora by split decision, with the judges scoring it 116–112, 115–113, and 112-116 in Fundora’s favor.
The pivotal moment arrived in the second round when Tszyu suffered a significant head injury from Fundora’s elbow strike. This ended up drawing concern from fans and experts alike.
Legendary Australian boxer and former world champion Billy Dib thought the bout ought to have ended sooner rather than late
He wrote: “‘This is ridiculous. This fight needs to be stopped. The amount of blood being lost is dangerous”
Boxing commentator Ben Damon expressed disbelief that the bout continued.
He posted: “No point having a doctor if they aren’t willing to stop a fight when one man has been hit by an axe. Unbelievable this wasn’t stopped at the end of 2”
Also former professional boxer Gabriel Rosado agreed that Tszyu was unfairly treated. He said that the referee or doctor ought to have stopped the bout.
He said: “It’s not fair to Tszyu to fight with an injury caused by an illegal blow”
But Tszyu accepted his loss with grace.
He said: “Look, 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. 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 the setback, Tszyu displayed sportsmanship. He attributed his defeat to the unforeseen circumstances of the match, highlighting the unpredictable nature of boxing.
Despite the blood loss and impaired vision, Tszyu persisted in the match. Fundora capitalized on Tszyu’s compromised state to secure his victory.
If Tszyu had prevailed, he and his father Kostya would have been the second father-son team to win the world boxing title after Leon and Corey Spinks.
In addition, he wanted to arrange a major bout with a potential payment of $US10 million against either former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. or pound-for-pound champion Terence Crawford.
Despite the defeat, Tszyu expressed his readiness to bounce back stronger.
He said: “Look, I’ll bounce back. I showed up still, no matter what (injury I had), and I always bring the fight. I was given one week (to prepare), no excuses, but I’ll fight whoever, whenever.”
“Even Errol Spence, who’s here. I’ll fight him as well. Even Terrence Crawford, man. You want a good scrap, You know who to call?”