Sebastian Fundora’s team is pledging to offer Tim Tszyu a rematch of the two warriors’ world championship bloodbath in Las Vegas.
Tszyu’s immediate future has been uncertain since he relinquished his WBO super-welterweight belt to Fundora in a controversial split-decision defeat on Sunday.
The Australian was cruelly denied the chance to fight fair and square after walking into the Towering Inferno’s elbow and suffering a gruesome head gash.
Tszyu virtually battled on blindly for 10 rounds and was even awarded a 116-112 victory by one of the judges.
Despite No Limit Boxing boss George Rose claiming his previously undefeated Sydney charge had a rematch clause in his contract, doubts over a sequel surfaced after Tszyu branded Fundora’s manager Sampson Lewkowicz a “weasel” in the lead-up to the unification blockbuster.
Lewkowicz, though, has since released a statement declaring Team Fundora’s first priority is a rematch with Tszyu ahead of a fight against either pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford or fellow American star Errol Spence.
“We were all so eager to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally. There wasn’t enough time,” Lewkowicz said.
“But I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honour the agreement. My word is always equal to a signed contract.
“Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are.”
This is good news for Tszyu after initial concerns that he may have to return to the bottom of the pecking order for more super fights in the US.
Despite Tszyu also accusing Fundora of being unprofessional for eating pizza and burgers in the lead-up to last week’s showdown, there has been nothing but good will between the two camps since.
Acknowledging Tszyu’s bravery, Fundora even offered the vanquished Australian one of his belts in a touching dressing-room gesture post fight.
But, boxing being boxing, a rematch with Fundora may not necessarily materialise.
Already there have been reports that the WBO has ordered Fundora to take on Crawford, who two weeks ago announced he would exercise his right as WBO welterweight champion to be named mandatory challenger for Sunday’s winner.
Crawford and Fundora would also be squaring off the WBC strap.
AAP
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