Sebastian Fundora Unifies Titles in Bloody Affair Against Tim Tszyu

Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) is now the unified 154 lb. champion after an incredibly bloody affair with Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday night.

While one judge saw Tszyu winning the fight with a 116-112 scorecard in his favour, the other two judges had it 116-112 and 115-113 for Fundora, who won via split decision. Their fight headlined the inaugural PBC on Prime card. The clash took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Fight fans could catch the action live on Prime Video as a PPV. Triller TV and PPV.com also had the March 30 card in select markets.

Initially, Tszyu was set to take on Keith Thurman. However, a bicep injury to “One Time” just weeks out from fight night allowed Fundora to step in, making the bout a clash for the vacant WBA and Tszyu’s WBO super welterweight title.

Sebastian Fundora Unifies Titles in Bloody Affair Against Tim Tszyu

Fight Recap

The fight began cautiously, with Fundora consistently throwing out the jab to keep Tszyu at bay. Towards the end of the opening round, however, Tszyu was able to snap back the head of “The Towering Inferno.” By round two, the Australian started to time straight right hands, causing blood to pour from the mouth and nose of Fundora. Tszyu also bled from his head, the result of a left elbow that caused a cut.

The cut marked a changing point in the fight. Tszyu started to struggle timing his shots due to the blood that was pouring into his eyes. Despite the cut, he was still having success with singular shots and punches to the body. On the other hand, Fundora stuck with the constant jab to keep Tszyu from coming on the inside.

The jab proved to be the most crucial punch of the night. Fundora employed it constantly, causing Tszyu to struggle to close the distance after round two. Although the American landed fewer power shots, the jab allowed him to outbox Tszyu throughout the bout. In the end, the success of this punch helped him become the unified champion.

#TszyuFundora is a bloodbath. pic.twitter.com/jytElMqMhD

— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) March 31, 2024

Post-Fight Interviews

Sebastian Fundora

“We’ve been praying for this moment for a long time and I’m just happy that Tim Tszyu gave me the opportunity and my opportunity became a dream come true,” said Fundora.

“The first round I was like ‘damn, I didn’t want to break my nose today.’ My dad said to our cut man ‘We’ve been bleeding our whole life.’ This is boxing, you gonna get hurt. You just got to be smart. I’ve been telling everybody this whole camp ‘I’m gonna use my brain, I’m gonna use my brain.’ I hope you guys saw me use my boxing skills today and you enjoyed it.”

“He’s [Tszyu] a world-class fighter. He’s a world champion for a reason. The way I won my belt, it’s an honour to share the ring and make history with him.”

“It [holding titles simultaneously with sister Gabriela] means the world. Now I think my dad is gonna run for trainer of the year. He did this all in six months. Without him, I wouldn’t be anywhere. Without him, our whole family wouldn’t be anywhere near boxing. So I’m very grateful.”

Tim Tszyu

“I’ve told ya, I’m an old throwback fighter,” said Tszyu. “Whatever circumstance. I couldn’t see, but, all credit belongs to the man who won tonight.”

“These things happen. The momentum was rolling, swinging hard in the first two rounds and then boom! You’re blinded completely. This is boxing, this is part of the sport and these things happen. Congratulations to Fundora. He’s the new king of the 154.”

“We will bounce back. The arena showed up. I showed up still, no matter what, and I always bring the fights. I was given one week, no excuses, but, I’ll fight whoever, whenever. Even Errol Spence is here, I’ll fight him as well. Even Terence Crawford. You want a good scrap? You know who to call.”

Isaac Cruz becomes latest Super Lightweight Champion

Isaac Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) is the newest WBA super lightweight champion after stopping Rolando Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) in eight rounds.

The time of stoppage was 0:56. With the win, Cruz became world champion for the very first time in his career. This was also his first fight at the super lightweight limit.

Cruz constantly walked towards Romero throughout the fight and was the aggressor. In the opening round, the Mexican landed a left hook that left “Rolly” on incredibly shaky legs. Despite Cruz doing what he could to knock his opponent out, Romero was able to see out the round.

With Cruz coming forward, Romero was content with staying at range, boxing and moving around the ring. This approach was his way of avoiding the power punches of his opponent. Whenever his opponent got close, Romero would clinch to prevent any further punching. However, this caused a point to be taken away from the 28-year-old Las Vegas fighter as it was deemed excessive.

A left hook followed by a right once again had Romero on wobbly legs in round seven, but he once again was able to stay standing. His luck was soon about to run out, though. In round eight. Cruz landed a barrage of punches that left his opponent stunned and caused referee Thomas Taylor to step in and halt the fight with the Las Vegas native still standing.