Sebastian Fundora upset Tim Tszyu, who won the WBO and WBC super welterweight titles tonight in a strangely bloody fight in Las Vegas.
Fundora took a split decision over 12 rounds, with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 and 116-112 in his favor and the third scoring it 116-112 for Tszyu.
But it is a fight that will be remembered for its bloody nature and the extraordinary way in which it occurred.
Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KO) had a broken nose at the beginning of the fight and was also bleeding from the mouth, losing a lot of blood throughout the evening. However, Tszyu (24-1, 17 KO) lost even more blood from a cut on the top of his head caused by an accidental elbow overdue in the second round.
The blood from Tszyu’s head had him fighting blind for most of the fight, and to Fundora’s credit, the 6-foot-6 “Towering Inferno” actually fought against his type, taking advantage of his reach and consistently landing his jabs. Tszyu was largely just guessing when and where to throw punches, but he hung in there incredibly well and even with that problem he was close.
“We have been praying for this moment for a long time and I am just elated that Tim Tszyu gave me the opportunity. It’s a dream come true,” Fundora said. “He is a world-class player. It was not without reason that he became world champion. The way I won my belt, it’s an honor for me to share the ring and make history with it.
There is a chance for a rematch, but PBC has already suggested another idea. When asked what to do next, Fundora was joined in the ring by Errol Spence Jr, who was lightly booed.
“It’s time to deal with this. He already has a large dog, let’s go,” Spence said. – I think he did quite well.
“I am a warrior who returns to the past. I didn’t see it, but all the credit goes to the man who won today,” Tszyu said. “Such things happen. This is boxing, it’s part of this sport. It happens. Congratulations to Fundora, he is the recent king at the age of 154.
“Listen, we’ll bounce back. I always bring the fight. I was given a week – no excuses, but I will fight anyone, anytime. Errol Spence, I will fight him too. Even Terence Crawford. You want a good piece, you know who to call.