Team Fundora Prioritizes Tszyu Rematch; At Odds with WBO
The likelihood is strong that next up for newly crowned junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) will be a rematch with Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs). But would that matchup derail a potential battle with reigning welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs)?
Fundora surprised many with his split decision victory over Tszyu to become the unified champion on March 30 in Las Vegas. Following the fight, speculation began about a rematch clause and an immediate rematch.
We now have some answers to those questions. Sampson Lewkowicz, the manager of Fundora, has confirmed that a rematch agreement is in place. Lewkowicz then released the following statement expressing intentions for a return fight with Tszyu:
“We were all so eager to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally. There wasn’t enough time. But I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honor the agreement.
My word is always equal to a signed contract. Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are. It all depends on Tim Tszyu.
If he doesn’t take the rematch, we will take the WBO mandatory or Spence, whatever the WBO says. But the first priority is the rematch with Tim Tszyu.”
A BIG STUMBLING BLOCK
But Crawford could stall any plans for Sebastian Fundora versus Tim Tszyu II. On April 1, the WBO ordered a fight between Fundora and Crawford, the current WBO mandatory junior middleweight challenger.
Given this recent development, it will be interesting to see what the camp of Fundora will do. A second fight with Tszyu makes plenty of sense for the champion. Their battle on March 30 was a close and competitive scrap and warrants them going at it again.
But sanctioning body rules are sanctioning body rules. If the WBO sticks to its guns and continues to call for the champion to fight Crawford, Fundora would have no choice but to fight him, or else he’s at risk of being stripped of the WBO 154-pound strap. The camp of Fundora may have plans to run it back with Tszyu. But this is a situation that is far from being finalized.
Tags: Sebastian Fundora, Tim Tszyu, WBC, WBO, Junior Middleweight, Terence Crawford, PBC
