Boxing Upset: Fundora Defeats Tszyu
Sebastian Fundora emerged victorious in a thrilling match on Saturday night in Las Vegas, where he handed Tim Tszyu his first defeat in a brutal showdown that left both fighters battered and bloodied. Despite Tszyu battling through a ghastly accidental cut for most of the fight, Fundora also bore the marks of a fierce battle as they both fought relentlessly until the final bell. The match will be remembered as one of the most intense in recent history.
However, Fundora's triumph does not guarantee him a break as the WBO, which now recognizes him as the junior middleweight titleholder, has mandated that he must defend his title against Terence Crawford in the near future.
According to a press release issued by the WBO on Monday, the organization stated, "Please be advised that on March 25, 2024, this Committee approved the Tszyu vs. Fundora WBO Voluntary Championship Contest that took place on March 30, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winner of the bout is required to face the Mandatory Challenger in the Jr. Middleweight Division, Terence “Bud” Crawford, within 180 days of the Tszyu vs. Fundora fight for the sanction approval to remain valid."
The latest announcement from the WBO reveals that a showdown between Sebastian Fundora and Terence Crawford is on the horizon. The WBO has mandated that negotiations begin for the WBO Mandatory Jr. Middleweight Championship. Both camps have 20 days to come to an agreement, starting on Friday, April 5, 2024.
If an agreement is not reached within the specified timeframe, the WBO will initiate purse bid proceedings with a minimum bid of $200,000 for the Jr. Middleweight Division. Either party involved can request a purse bid at any point during the negotiation process.
The potential matchup between Fundora and Crawford is intriguing, with the towering 6'5 Fundora holding a significant height advantage. Crawford, a proven champion, will be stepping up to the junior middleweight division for the first time. It will be interesting to see if Fundora's size and reach can pose a challenge to Crawford's skill and experience.
If this fight comes to fruition, it promises to be a captivating battle between two talented fighters.
