Fundora Claims Upset Victory to Become Junior Middleweight Champion, Potential Rematches Loom

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31/03/2024 16h28

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Sebastian Fundora emerged victorious in a split-decision win over Tim Tszyu to capture two junior middleweight titles. The "Towering Inferno" proved his mettle as he stepped in as a replacement just 11 days before the fight, seizing the opportunity to claim the biggest win of his career.

Fundora, standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 ½, faced an uphill battle from the start after breaking his nose in the opening round and losing the first two rounds on all three scorecards. However, fate seemed to intervene when Tszyu inadvertently collided with Fundora's left elbow, causing a deep cut on his hairline that bled throughout the fight.

Tszyu, the son of boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, acknowledged Fundora's victory and the impact the cut had on the fight, stating, "Boom, you're blinded completely. This is boxing, and this is part of the sport. Congratulations to Fundora, he's the new king of 154."

As the new ruler of the junior middleweight division, Fundora now has a plethora of lucrative options available to him. The most logical choice would be an immediate rematch with Tszyu, considering the close nature of their bout and the compelling circumstances surrounding Tszyu's injury.

Tszyu admirably faced the challenge of adjusting to Fundora as a last-minute replacement, making a rematch all the more enticing for both fighters and fans alike. The call for a return bout echoed across social media after the fight.

However, the world of boxing often operates without fairness as a guiding principle. It was no coincidence that Errol Spence Jr., who had recently undergone cataract surgery, was ringside and quickly propelled into the ring after Fundora's victory. With all three boxers under the PBC banner, it seems there were prior plans for Spence to face the eventual winner.

If not Tszyu, another deserving contender for Fundora's attention is Terence Crawford, the WBO's "super" champion at 147 pounds. Crawford is well-positioned to secure a mandatory shot at Fundora's newly acquired weight class, with expectations that the fight will be ordered in the coming week.

Fundora's success now sees him holding two titles, providing him the option to vacate the WBO strap and focus on defending the WBC title if he pursues a fight against Spence. The anticipation for a clash between Fundora and Spence grows, with Spence boldly stating, "It's time to get it on... He got a pretty good height, but we'll see. We'll break him down like we always do."

Outside of Fundora's realm at 154 pounds, other formidable contenders emerge. Israil Madrimov, the newly crowned WBA titleholder, showcases a potent combination of athleticism and power. Additionally, Vergil Ortiz Jr. recently made his move to the division and is set to face Thomas Dulorme at junior middleweight on April 27.

Meanwhile, the IBF title awaits its new champion, which will be determined by a Jack Culcay-Bakhram Murtazaliev fight in Germany on April 7. Jermell Charlo retains his top position on ESPN's rankings at 154 pounds, but the undisputed championship remains elusive until he competes at the weight class post his victory over Brian Castano in May 2022.

Sebastian Fundora's victory has sent shockwaves through the junior middleweight division, defying expectations following his upset loss to Brian Mendoza last year. While a rematch with Tszyu appears deserving, the unpredictable nature of boxing makes it uncertain. Nonetheless, Fundora's triumphant performance has solidified his status as the "new king of 154," leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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