Sebastian Fundora’s team is committed to giving Tim Tszyu a rematch of the two warriors’ world championship bloodbath in Las Vegas.
Tszyu’s immediate future has been uncertain since he dropped his WBO super welterweight belt to Fundora in a controversial split decision loss on Sunday.
The Australian was cruelly denied the chance to fight fairly after colliding with Towering Inferno’s elbow and suffering a gruesome cut to his head.
Tszyu practically fought blind for 10 rounds and was even awarded a 116-112 victory by one of the judges.
Despite No Limit Boxing boss George Rose claiming his previously undefeated charge in Sydney had a rematch clause in his contract, doubts were raised over a sequel after Tszyu branded Fundora’s manager Sampson Lewkowicz a “weasel” in the period prior to the success of unification.
Lewkowicz, however, has since issued a statement declaring that Team Fundora’s first priority is a rematch with Tszyu ahead of a fight against pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford or fellow American star Errol Spence.
“We were all so eager to fight that many of our agreements were made verbally. There wasn’t enough time,” Lewkowicz said.
“But I want to make it clear that the Fundora team will honor the agreement. My word is always equivalent to a signed contract.
“Tim Tszyu, your rematch will be ready when you are.”
This is good news for Tszyu after initial concerns that he might have to return to the bottom of the pecking order for more super fights in the US.
Although Tszyu also accused Fundora of being unprofessional for eating pizza and burgers in the lead-up to last week’s showdown, there has been nothing but goodwill between the two sides since.
Recognizing Tszyu’s bravery, Fundora even offered the defeated Australian one of his belts in a touching locker room gesture after the fight.
But, boxing being boxing, a rematch with Fundora may not necessarily materialize.
There have already been reports that the WBO ordered Fundora to face Crawford, who two weeks ago announced he would exercise his right as WBO welterweight champion to be named mandatory challenger for Sunday’s winner.
Crawford and Fundora would also be competing for the WBC belt.
AAP
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