Tim Tszyu’s bravery could ultimately have cost him in the worst way possible as the Australian superstar faces the worrying prospect of being sidelined for a significant period of time.
Tszyu was edged out in a split decision loss to Sebastian Fundora for the WBO and WBC super welterweight titles in what was the Aussie’s first bout as a headliner in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas.
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Although Fundora himself bravely fought through a badly busted nose and showcased plenty of skill, Tszyu was heavily compromised due to the waterfall of blood — caused by a freak cut — that left him virtually blinded for ten of the 12 rounds.
The fact Tszyu managed to convince one judge he won the fight despite being so impaired for the vast majority of the fight has now left rival promoters running in the opposite direction.
Sources insist Tszyu presents too much of a risk to the likes of the major draws in the division, such as Errol Spence Jr, Terence Crawford and Danny Garcia.
Additionally, the fact Tszyu no longer has any belts means he is no longer in a position to dictate when he wants to fight, so that elite group now view the Aussie as an opponent who is simply too dangerous to fight with nothing but reputation on the line.
That’s not forgetting the financial implications too, as US broadcasters and promoters stand to lose millions should one of their biggest drawcards lose to Tszyu, who’s international status also goes against him.
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Prior to the fight against Fundora, those same names and their camps seemed to mention Tszyu at every opportunity as they chased a mega-fight against the then-WBO super welterweight champ.
But the phones have since gone cold, leaving Tszyu in limbo for a lengthy period of time, with sources conceding it could be as long as 12 months before he steps into the ring again.
It is the worst possible scenario for Tszyu, a fighter who has bucked the bug of inactivity that Spence Jr, Crawford and Garcia have all caught.
Spence Jr has fought only three times in the last four years while Crawford tends to make a solo appearance each year.
As for Garcia, his last bout was July 2022.
By comparison, Tszyu fought three times in 2021 and in 2023.
Aside from the trio mentioned, Tszyu has a rematch clause against Fundora but that fight could also be some time away.
Fundora required surgery to fix his broken nose and was medically suspended by the WBO for nine months.
Even then, Fundora has been ordered by the WBO to defend his title against mandatory challenger Crawford once he can return to competition or risk relinquishing the title.
When asked about a rematch against Tszyu, Fundora entertained the concept but insisted that since he now holds two of the belts, it would not happen in Australia.
“We’ll see, we’ll see,” Fundora told Against The Ropes Boxing.
“I like it. We’ll keep it in America now that I have the titles, but we’ll see what happens.
“We have big names like Spence, we have big names like Crawford. They’re two of the best fighters in the world. The opportunity is big for us.”
Whether Tszyu’s return is against Fundora or another fighter remains to be seen.
But it’s likely to be some time away, all because of the sheer bravery he showed against an opponent he fought on just 12 days’ notice.