Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Tszyu-Fundora: A High Stakes Showdown In Las Vegas

What was originally supposed to be a pay-per-view debut for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters on March 30th on their new broadcast platform of Prime Video, that some would call a new chapter, which was to be headlined by a non-title Jr. Middleweight bout between former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu, saw a wrinkle emerge last week when Thurman was forced to withdraw due to what has been reported to be a bicep injury. While this might have caused the promotional banner to postpone the card under most circumstances, the pay-per-view production, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV will be moving forward.


On what was a little more than twelve days notice, rather than competing in what was to be a non-title bout, Tszyu will now defend his WBO crown against contender Sebastian Fundora. It is not unusual for a change of opponent to occur on short notice, which at times can be shorter than the under two-week window in which this fight has come about. Injuries that occur during training for a fight, which is what happened to Keith Thurman, is unfortunately something that comes with the territory of all combat sports, not just Boxing. What is unusual however, is in this case two fighters, who were each preparing to compete on the same card in separate bouts, now are facing each other under a scenario where the stakes are high.


This is due to not only the fact that Tszyu, who is unbeaten in twenty-four professional fights, will not only be putting his WBO world championship on the line, but both fighters will now have an opportunity to become a unified world champion in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division as the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) world championship will also be at stake. Although there will no doubt be some criticism of that as well as the fact that Fundora, who is coming off of a knockout loss in his last fight, now essentially has the chance to hit a jackpot, it is a scenario where for all the uncertainty that has surrounded the PBC group of promoters in recent years, as well as losing their longtime broadcast home Showtime Sports at the end of last year, when its parent company Paramount global decided to end the network’s 37 year involvement in the sport of Boxing and along with it, completely shuttered Showtime’s sports division as well, this, one might argue, is a case where they have made the best out of a bad situation.


After all, Las Vegas is known as a high stakes city where thousands upon thousands travel every year to test their luck and roll the dice in hopes of winning big and having the opportunity, at least in theory, to change their lives in an instant. While the previous statement by this observer might be viewed by the reader as essentially a promo that could be used by one of the many casinos on the Vegas strip, in a Boxing context, the winner of this fight, one that prior to a week ago was not in the works, will not only emerge as a unified world champion, but will arguably be the number one fighter in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division.


The fight itself features what could be on paper a collision of two fighters with a similar approach. Both Tszyu and Fundora are come forward pressure fighters that are aggressive and look to break their opponents down. The edge in terms of punching power likely will land on the side of the champion Tszyu, who much likes his father many years ago, the Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, has knockout power in either hand and has scored seventeen knockouts in his twenty-four career wins, registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 71% compared to Fundora’s thirteen in twenty career wins with a current career knockout percentage of 65%.


Where things may tip in favor of the challenger is in terms of both height and reach. Fundora in addition to being a southpaw, stands at nearly 6’6 and has an 80” reach, which will give him a significant advantage over the champion, who stands at nearly 5’9 and has a near 71” reach. Despite his physical advantages, which is rare for a Jr. Middleweight, Fundora often neglects those natural gifts. Although he tends to throw a lot of jabs, which if done properly should keep a shorter opponent on the outside where he has trouble getting inside of that reach where opportunities to land punches theoretically open up, Fundora willingly gives up that advantage and has shown a willingness to fight on the inside where the physics are not in his favor. It was such willingness that led to his downfall in his last fight when Fundora engaged in a fight with Brian Mendoza, who was able to knock Fundora out with a left hook, right hand combination to the head in the seventh round in April of last year.


While the knockout loss Fundora suffered at the hands of Mendoza, who went on to lose a twelve round unanimous decision to Tszyu later in 2023, should not be viewed as a career-ender as brutal as it was, Fundora has been given a golden opportunity to fight for a unified world championship coming off of such a loss. It will be interesting to see if he has learned in the near year since that fight how to use his physical advantages, to “Fight Tall,” because if he does not respect Tszyu’s punching power, it could prove costly in this fight.


In contrast to Fundora, Tszyu, who boxes out of an orthodox stance, must find a way to get on the inside of the challenger’s reach. While this can be easier said than done, there are a few aspects that the champion might be able to use to his advantage. Beyond Fundora’s neglecting his natural advantages physically in previous fights, he also has a habit of keeping his right hand low and tends to leave his chin up where if he can get close, he is susceptible to being hit, as he was against Mendoza, who frequently connected with right hands, the primary way to combat a southpaw if you are a conventional boxer, which worked well for Mendoza. The key for the champion will be whether or not he will be able to time Fundora’s jab, which he tends to pump out with consistency and volume from the opening bell to get on the inside, assuming the challenger has learned to use his physical attributes rather than willingly fight in close. If Fundora uses a similar approach as he did in his last fight, it will play right into Tszyu’s hands and we could see a similar outcome as the one Fundora experienced against Mendoza.


While this fight is one that due to the circumstances that brought it to fruition does not offer either fighter much time to prepare, it indeed comes with the territory in combat sports and the top fighters in any combat sport should know how to adapt to a change of opponent on short notice. From a business perspective however, it remains to be seen how successful this fight and event will be for the PBC group of promoters as they embark on their next chapter in a streaming age with Prime Video as its broadcast home. Despite the criticism the PBC has taken in recent years for over using the pay-per-view model in an era where consumers are continuing to reject its use in favor of more consumer-friendly subscription-based options, which led to the downfall of Showtime Sports  this is a case where they are trying to make the best of a bad situation. 


Whether or not this pay-per-view debut ends up exceeding expectations remains to be seen.  Tszyu-Fundora does figure to be an entertaining fight if the styles that both champion and challenger have shown in the past each emerge in this fight.  With a position as a unified world champion and a chance to be the central figure in the Jr. Middleweight division on the line, we will see who comes out on top on Saturday, March 30th.


“And That's The Boxing Truth.” 


PBC: Tszyu vs. Fundora takes place on Saturday, March 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  The full card can be seen on digital streaming network Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis for $69.99 and will be available to both Amazon Prime members as well as non-members to stream beginning at 6PM ET/3PM PT with free preliminary bouts, which will be followed by the main pay-per-view card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. The card will also be available on traditional cable/satellite providers.  Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information.  To order on Prime Video download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or click the following link PBC On Prime. (*Prime Video access to this event available in the United States and Canada Only. * *Check your local listings internationally.*)


(*Card and Start time subject to change.*)


For more information about Premier Boxing Champions including schedules please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com.


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Saturday, March 23, 2024

Tszyu-Fundora PBC On Prime Video Pay-Per-View Card Now Available For Preorder

The upcoming pay-per-view card, which will signify the debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters on their new broadcast home of Prime Video is available for preorder at the following link PBC On Prime  or through the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet at connected streaming devices and Smart TVs for $69.95 and is available to both Amazon Prime and non-prime members. The card, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV on March 30th will be headlined by undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu defending his title against Sebastian Fundora. It has also been announced that the vacant WBC world championship in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division will also be on the line in the bout. 


We will have a preview of Tszyu-Fundora available for readers here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, March 27th. Stay tuned.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


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Adorno-Walters Headlines March 27 Edition Wednesday Night Fights On ProBox TV

Press Release: March 24, 2024 By   ProBox TV- Joseph Adorno (18-3-2, 15KOs) and Nicholas Walters (28-1-1, 22KOs) get set to leave it all on the line on the March 27 edition of ProBox TV's Wednesday Night Fights.

Credit: ProBox TV 

The pair meet in what can only be described as a crossroads fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight title, with the winner looking to gatecrash the world ratings and the loser having a rebuilding job on their hands.

In another 50/50 banger, Jesus Saracho (13-1, 11KOs) clashes with Starling Castillo (18-1-1, 13KOs) in a fight that you can argue will have no losers, as both men look to steal the show on ProBox TV.


Omar Juarez (14-2, 5KOs) returns from his layoff against local favorite Clarence Booth (21-9, 13KOs) as Juarez looks to put himself back in contention for a big fight, as Booth remains upset minded.


Highly rated former amateur standout David Navarro (6-1, 3KOs) faces undefeated opposition in Justin Goodson (8-0, 8KOs) in a fight that has all the possibilities of stealing the show in itself.


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING LIVE EVENTS, HEAD OVER TO PROBOXTV.COM 


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Thursday, March 21, 2024

Is Callum Walsh Ready For A World Title Shot?

One of the traditions of St. Patrick's Day week in New York City, NY in many years have been Boxing cards held in Madison Square Garden’s Theater, which in this observer’s youth was known as the Felt Forum. While this has developed into a tradition over many years, there have been times where it has not been held every year, most notably during the global COVID-19 epidemic. Nevertheless, Boxing in New York City during St. Patrick's Day week has served as a springboard of sorts for fighters on the verge of fighting for world championships, from Featherweight contender Michael Conlan, to former Middleweight contender John Duddy, who participated in what turned out to be an all-time classic in The Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2006 when he went toe to toe for twelve brutal rounds against former Jr. Middleweight world champion Luis “Yory Boy” Campas, defeating him via unanimous decision and establishing himself back then as a contender in the Middleweight division.


On March 15th, The Theater played host to a rising prospect, who like Duddy before him many years ago, might look to make a home for himself inside of Madison Square Garden, or at least establish either The Theater or the Garden’s main arena, as a frequent stop as he continues his career. Yours truly is referring to undefeated Jr. Middleweight Callum Walsh. Walsh, who was fighting for the second consecutive time in The Theater after scoring a ten round unanimous decision in November of last year over Ismael Villarreal. In some ways, Walsh took a significant step forward in that fight because it was the first time he had gone ten rounds in his career. This time, the opposition for Walsh would come in the form of Dauren Yeleussinov. A veteran of fifteen professional fights coming into this encounter, Yeleussinov may have been getting what amounted to a last chance to enter into world title contention at thirty-seven years of age.


Nevertheless, Yeleussinov was an opponent that one could expect to see on the way up for a prospect like Walsh. The addition of this bout being for the WBC Continental Americas championship in the Jr. Middleweight division also presented another step up for Walsh. What occurred in this fight was perhaps a prospect showing that he might be ready to face a top contender or potentially challenge for a world championship, but also a testament of one fighter’s durability. For nine rounds, Walsh administered what could be best described as a gradual beating to Yeleussinov. By landing hard, thudding blows to the body and head, Walsh gradually broke Yeleussinov down  as Yeleussinov suffered significant damage to his face throughout the fight including a left eye that was nearly swollen shut. While the fight ultimately proved to be one-sided, what was impressive about Walsh’s performance was the poise he showed in not rushing in trying to get a stoppage and simply took things as they came in getting a ninth round stoppage to move to 10-0, with 8 Knockouts in his career. 


Although there was not much to say about this fight beyond the disciplined approach of Walsh and the mettle of Yeleussinov, by Walsh earning what was his second regional title in the WBC rankings after previously winning the WBC’s USA Silver title. While many overlook the accomplishment of winning regional titles in a career, the purpose those titles serve in an overall picture is it helps elevate a fighter into the world rankings. With this win, Walsh should be rated in the top fifteen in the Jr. Middleweight division. Despite only having ten professional fights it would appear that Walsh may indeed be on the fast track towards a potential shot at a world championship. Whether or not Walsh will be ready when that time comes, assuming he continues to win, it is important to keep in mind that not all fighters respective climbs up the rankings is not exactly the same and there are times where determining whether a fighter is ready will come down to a case by case basis rather than a set number of fights in a career. 


With his next fight tentatively scheduled for June, this observer believes if he can remain active and continue winning, Walsh could well be in position to fight for a world title sometime within the next year. When one also factors in that the Jr. Middleweight division is seemingly in the midst of a period of transition, there will likely be opportunities to move up the ladder of contention quicker because there will also likely be world championships that will have vacancies, and thus, it will allow contenders like Walsh the chance to maneuver to try and get in position to fight for a vacant world title. It may come down to who Walsh is put in with in his next two or three fights that may determine how soon he gets that chance.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


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Monday, March 18, 2024

BREAKING: THURMAN INJURED, TSZYU TO FACE FUNDORA FOR UNIFIED JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MARCH 30TH IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS DEBUT PAY-PER-VIEW CARD ON PRIME VIDEO

It has been announced that former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled non-title Jr. Middleweight debut against undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu due to a bicep injury suffered while in training for the fight. The bout, which was due to main event a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters as their debut on Prime Video  from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV will go on as scheduled with the card now being headlined by Tszyu now defending his WBO championship against Jr. Middleweight contender Sebastian Fundora. Fundora, who is coming off of a knockout loss, the first of his career, in his last fight in April of last year at the hands of Brian Mendoza, who went on to lose a twelve round unanimous decision to Tszyu in October of last year. 


Fundora (20-1-1, with 13 Knockouts) was due to make his return on the undercard of Tszyu-Thurman against Serhii Bohachuk for the vacant WBC world championship in the Jr. Middleweight division, he now finds himself in the main event where the vacant WBC crown will also be on the line against WBO champion Tszyu, (24-0, with 17 Knockouts) who will be making his debut on the United States. As of this writing, there is no word as to Bohachuk’s status on the card.


Tszyu vs. Fundora will be available to preorder to stream on Prime Video on Friday, March 23rd for $74.99 with the full card streaming on Saturday, March 30th at 6PM ET/3PM PT (*U.S. Times Only.) We will have a preview of Tszyu-Fundora here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, March 27th. Stay tuned.


“And That's The Boxing Truth."


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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Gloves Off Debuts March 15 on Prime Video with Gloves Off: Thurman-Tszyu/Rolly-Pitbull

Credit: Prime Video 

Press Release: March 14, 2024 By   Prime Video- The inaugural edition of Gloves Off will chronicle the remarkable backstories of the four co-main event fighters set to appear on the first-ever PBC on Prime Video Pay-Per-View event live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 30



NEW YORK— March 14, 2024—Today, Prime Video announced the launch of Gloves Off, an all-new special series that will bring fight fans revealing, behind-the-scenes access in the lead-up to highly-anticipated PBC on Prime Video boxing events. The first installment, Gloves Off: Thurman-Tszyu/Rolly-Pitbull, narrated by Barry Pepper, will premiere on Prime Video this Friday, March 15. The two episodes will bring fans compelling footage from the fighters’ lives, interviews from various members of each camp, and training camp activity that will bring the audience closer to the action in the build-up to the Keith Thurman-Tim Tszyu super welterweight showdown, and the WBA Super Lightweight World Title matchup between reigning title-holder Rolando “Rolly” Romero and rising contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. The episodes illustrate the personal stakes on the line, and offers an intimate look at these prizefighters headlining the inaugural PBC Pay-Per-View Available on Prime Video fight card set for Saturday, March 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.


Descriptions:


Episode 1 – As the showdown for March 30 draws closer and closer, the episode chronicles the journey of four dynamic fighters – Keith “One Time” Thurman, Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu, Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Isaac “Pitbull’ Cruz – as they prepare to step into the ring for the first time in 2024. 


Episode 2 – Training camp intensifies as four fighters (Thurman, Tszyu, Romero and Cruz) sharpen their game plans in preparation for the formidable challenge that awaits them on fight night in Las Vegas.


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