Tim Tszyu has suffered another career setback, losing to American Sebastian Fundora by TKO in the seventh round of their world title rematch in Las Vegas. The Australian agreed to the stoppage after a brutal bout at the MGM Grand's Garden Arena, his third defeat in four fights.
Tszyu, a former WBO super-welterweight champion, had sought redemption following a split-decision loss to Fundora 16 months ago. However, the 30-year-old could not overcome Fundora's height and reach advantage, despite showing courage and landing some heavy shots. Fundora dropped Tszyu in the first round and opened a cut above his right eye in the second.
Tszyu rallied in the fourth with a big overhand right and found success with body shots in the seventh, but ultimately could not continue. He praised Fundora, calling him "the best 154-pounder on the planet right now" and "a better man." Fundora, who is set to study engineering at Harvard, said he bullied Tszyu as planned, adding, "I’m here at 154 to stay."
Tszyu's future is uncertain; a move up to light-middleweight or a fight against Keith Thurman are possible, but his team says it is too early to speculate. He was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after the fight.
