The upcoming fight between WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora is seen as a potential stepping stone towards stardom by former champion Tim Bradley. According to Bradley, the winner of this bout could have the opportunity to face pound-for-pound fighter Terence Crawford in the fall, a match that could elevate their status in the boxing world. Tszyu vs. Fundora is scheduled to take place on March 30th, serving as a “soft opening” for Premier Boxing Champions on Prime PPV via Amazon at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
A Change in Plans
Originally, Keith Thurman was slated to face Tszyu but had to withdraw due to an injury during training camp, leading to Fundora stepping in as his replacement. Thurman’s absence has highlighted a flaw in PBC’s planning, as the 35-year-old fighter’s lack of recent activity made him an uncertain choice for the event. The undercard for the fight has also received criticism for featuring fighters who may not belong on a PPV card, further adding to the missteps made in organizing the event.
The Crawford Sweepstakes
Tim Bradley emphasized the significance of the upcoming fight in relation to the “Terence Crawford sweepstakes.” According to Bradley, the winner of the Tszyu vs. Fundora bout may earn the chance to face Crawford based on their performance. While American fans may prefer to see Crawford fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis instead, Bradley believes that a victory over Crawford could propel either Tszyu or Fundora to stardom in the sport.
Despite the implications of facing Crawford, there are doubts about whether Tszyu or Fundora can truly attain stardom through this matchup. Some critics argue that defeating a 36-year-old Crawford, who has been inactive and has never fought at 154 pounds, may not solidify their status as stars in the boxing world. The outcome of the fight will be scrutinized based on these factors, potentially impacting the perceived star potential of the victor.
The Tszyu vs. Fundora event marks PBC’s debut on Amazon Prime for PPV, with Tim Bradley likening it to a “soft opening.” Bradley expressed skepticism about the event achieving significant PPV numbers, citing the absence of major boxing stars like Tank or Canelo. While the fight presents an opportunity for Tszyu and Fundora to shine, the absence of marquee names may limit its overall appeal to the audience.
The upcoming battle between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora carries significant implications for both fighters in terms of potential stardom and future opportunities in the boxing world. While the path to facing Terence Crawford looms large, questions remain about the true impact of such a victory on their reputations as rising stars in the sport. As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Tszyu and Fundora to see if they can seize this moment and make a lasting impact on the boxing landscape.