Tim Tszyu will have a chance at becoming a two-time world champion with reports a rematch with Sebastian Fundora for the WBC super welterweight title will take place within months.
No Limit confirmed a fight is in the works for the US summer, most likely July, despite claims Tszyu would face Keith Thurman in Australia next.
However, a rematch with Fundora had been building steam of late behind the scenes and a BoxingScene report confirmed Tszyu will now get the chance to avenge his March 2024 defeat to the almost two-metre tall southpaw.
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It’s understood contracts have been signed between both camps, with T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the site of their first meeting, most likely to host the event.
On that occasion Fundora, 27, took the fight on late notice to replace the injured Thurman before upsetting the Australian via a 12-round split decision to claim the WBO title, as well as the vacant WBC belt.
Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora trade blows in 2024. AP
A cut on Tszyu’s head caused by an accidental elbow at the end of the second round seriously impaired the Aussie’s vision for the remainder of the fight.
Most pundits agreed Tszyu was on track to win the bout before the cut, which his corner failed to stop bleeding between rounds.
Tszyu’s promoters capitalised on this new opportunity, despite the WBO announcing a proposed bout between Fundora and No.1 contender, the undefeated Xander Zayas of Puerto Rico, would be going to purse bid within days.
Fundora was to get 75 per cent of any winning bid, while Zayas would receive the remaining quarter.
But it appears that fight was not too appetising for Fundora’s people and they’re set to vacate the WBO belt and put up his WBC strap for a bout against Tszyu.
“This is the fight that everyone wants to see,” Fundora’s agent Sampson Lewkowicz told Boxingscene of Fundora-Tszyu II.
“It will be raining blood.”
Fundora also hinted a rematch with Tszyu was in the works when speaking to Australia’s The Punch Podcast recently.
“That’s a great fight,” he said.
“There’s a bunch of fights in this division that we are in the position to get, it’s just if the other side wants to take it as well.
“(But) I’m pretty sure the Australians would love it. I think it’s a great fight.”
The Aussie’s vision was severely impacted by blood in the last fight. Steve Marcus via Getty Images
Yet this fight against Fundora could be one of the last for Tszyu at super welterweight.
Speaking in his post-fight press conference following his win over Joey Spencer in Newcastle last month, the Sydney fighter, 30, said a move to middleweight would not be far away, with the weight cuts becoming more difficult.
A win over Fundora could mean Tszyu would defend his title once, possibly against Jermell Charlo or Thurman, before moving up.
