Showing posts with label Tim Tszyu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Tszyu. Show all posts

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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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, September 28, 2023

Alvarez-Charlo A Landmark Moment In Boxing History?

There are numerous stories throughout Boxing history where world champions in one weight division in seeking a challenge will opt to move up in weight to fight for another world championship. While the fact that there are multiple world sanctioning organizations and thus, multiple world championships per weight division has made the process of a champion moving up to challenge for another world title a bit easier, it is still an accomplishment that can prove difficult to pull off. 


In the case of former Undisputed Jr. Middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo, he is preparing to take what some would call a bigger risk as he will move up in weight by two weight divisions to challenge Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world on September 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.


The fight, which can be seen here in the United States on Showtime Pay-Per-View, has been marketed as the first time in Boxing history that two undisputed champions have faced off against each other. Charlo will technically still be the undisputed champion of the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division when he enters the ring to face Alvarez, when the bell rings for round one, he will no longer be an undisputed champion of the Jr. Middleweight division as he will be stripped of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship for failing to defend his title against undefeated WBO number one contender Tim Tszyu.


The technicalities and elements of the business of Boxing aside, Charlo is nevertheless attempting something that few have attempted by leaping up two divisions to challenge one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world in Alvarez, as well as one of the top drawing cards in the sport. What type of fight we might see from a stylistic standpoint may come down to who is able to dictate the pace early on as both Alvarez and Charlo are boxer/punchers who can do a little of everything, but each also has the ability to adapt during the course of a fight. 


While some may point to the weight issue in that Charlo is moving up fourteen pounds to face Alvarez, this observer feels the more telling issue might be Charlo's lack of activity going into this encounter. Charlo has only fought twice in the last two years and while that is due to both his suffering a broken hand while in training for a scheduled title defense against Tim Tszyu, as well as the current state of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters that have seen many of those who have fought under the PBC banner seek other opportunities in an attempt to stay active, the biggest enemy of any fighter is inactivity and this in addition to the moving up fourteen pounds might work against Charlo.


In contrast to his challenger, Alvarez has been quite active for a fighter considered to be on the elite level of the sport in fighting six times over the last two years with the only blemish coming against undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol in May of last year in a failed attempt by Alvarez to become a two-time Light-Heavyweight world champion. Despite that setback and otherwise being dominant in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division over that stretch, there are some who might wonder if Alvarez is approaching the twilight of his career in that he has only scored one knockout during that stretch, which came against Avni Yildirim in February 2021. Although some might question whether Alvarez might be in decline because of a perception that he might not be able to end a fight inside the distance, he has nevertheless been dominant and in comparison, he would appear to have the advantage going into this fight.


It can be all too tempting at times to fall into the hype they surrounds a fight. In this case, this could be viewed as a landmark moment in the history of the sport because of the fact of at least on the surface of two undisputed champions facing each other, but with Boxing fans once again being asked to shell out funds at an expensive price to see this encounter, one can only hope that it turns out to be a competitive fight if not a great one. With so many events of a similar price falling to live up to such hype, a competitive bout where each fighter brings the best of what they have into the ring would be seen as a success even if it is at the expense of the Boxing fan.


"And That's The Boxing Truth."


Alvarez vs. Charlo takes place on Saturday, September 30th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight can be seen on Showtime Pay-Per-View in the United States for $84.99 at 8PM ET/5PM PT and will be available through traditional cable/satellite providers and the Showtime app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. Contact your cable/satellite provider or visit www.SHO.com/PPV for information on how to order and view this event via the Showtime app as well as a list of compatible devices. 


(*Card and Start Time Subject To Change.*)


(*Check your local listings Internationally.*)


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Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Has Tszyu Put The Jr. Middleweight Division On Notice?

 

The career of undefeated Jr. Middleweight contender Tim Tszyu has seen him quickly progress from a prospect following in the footsteps of his father the longtime former Jr. Welterweight world champion and Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, to a contender, who appears to be on the cusp of challenging for a world championship of his own. In just eighteen professional bouts over nearly five years as a professional, the twenty-six year old Tszyu has developed a reputation as a “Knockout Artist.” Much like his father, the twenty-six year old Tszyu has the ability and punching power to end a fight at any time with either hand. Tszyu’s progression in his career thus far has largely been highlighted by victories over former WBO Welterweight world champion Jeff Horn and former world title challenger Dennis Hogan. Two fights, which Tszyu scored knockout wins.

 

Recently however, Tszyu had a question asked of him that in some ways is one that is asked of many fighters regardless of their standing in the sport. How would he adapt to a change in opposition on relatively limited notice? This observer is referring to the recent circumstances Tszyu found himself in when his scheduled bout against Michael Zerafa on July 7th was changed when Zerafa pulled out of the fight in the week prior due to concerns over the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic and newly enacted restrictions in Australia. Although promoters did have the go ahead to stage the fight at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia, Zerafa citing concerns opted to withdraw from the bout leaving Tszyu in need of an opponent or to postpone the bout until such time that the circumstances of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis could improve and the bout with Zerafa could presumably be rescheduled.

 

While circumstances like this in a fighter being in need of an opponent on short notice is not new throughout all of combat sports when such instances occur, the situation is certainly not ideal for a fighter or the fighter’s team. It is those circumstances however, that could provide an opportunity for an opponent to step in. Although the fighter who is in the position of having to step into a fight with a limited window of time to prepare is almost always at a disadvantage, there remains the element of the unknown that makes a fight intriguing. Fortunately for Tszyu, he would find an opponent on one week’s notice, enter Steve Spark.

 

Even though Spark had faced limited opposition going into this fight with Tszyu, what made his introduction into this equation interesting was that in his thirteen previous professional bouts, Spark had scored knockouts in eleven of his twelve career victories having lost one bout in his second pro bout via majority decision. Any time a fighter registers a career knockout percentage of over 80%, it does give an impression that they could at minimum provide a test even under circumstances of taking a fight on short notice.

 

In some ways however, what occurred when the two fighters squared off resembled Tszyu’s fight with Dennis Hogan earlier this year. A systematic attack where Tszyu gradually walked his opponent down getting in close and not allowing Spark space to maneuver. As was the case in his bout with Hogan, the focal point of Tszyu’s attack was to his opponent’s body. What should not be overlooked however, is while this process for Tszyu was relatively straightforward in its execution, he also took some punches from a “Game “ Spark who did try to make a fight of it. Even though the offense Spark was able to land was not able to hurt Tszyu nor discourage him from coming forward, it did show Tszyu’s ability to take a punch while sticking to his fight plan.

 

Ultimately, it would be Tszyu’s steady pressure and body attack that broke Spark down as two knockdowns in round three, both as a result of left hooks to the body would bring an end to the fight. While this amounted to a “Stay Busy” fight both in regard to the circumstances that led to it as well as what occurred inside the ring for Tszyu, he did show the ability to adapt as well as the ability to take a punch. Under circumstances which could give a fighter more pressure and circumstances where some fighters have been caught off guard, Tszyu’s performance in this fight is really all one could ask for if you’re on Tszyu’s management team and are trying to position him for a world championship bout.

 

Although a fight with Michael Zerafa could still happen, the question is whether Tim Tszyu should be in line to challenge for a world championship? With a unification bout between Jermell Charlo, the IBF/WBA/WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion and WBO world champion Brian Castano scheduled to take place on July 17th and Tszyu being rated number one currently in the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) Jr. Middleweight ratings and rated number three by both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) respectively, it may be a question of whether Tszyu will be next in line amongst the rotation of mandatory challengers for the winner of that fight, which will further unify the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division.

 

While current International Boxing Organization (IBO) world champion Erislandy Lara for now is on the outside of this unification process and even though some do not hold the IBO in high regard and see the Charlo-Castano as a bout for the Undisputed Jr. Middleweight world championship, if a showdown between the winner of that fight and Lara is not in the immediate plans to fully unify the division, it will be interesting to see if Tszyu can upset any potential plans when he does get his opportunity. An opportunity that this observer feels he has earned.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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Friday, April 2, 2021

After Stopping Hogan, Will Tszyu Get A World Championship Bout?


The 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division has been one that has seen many notable battles through the years. In recent times, it has seen Jermell Charlo emerge as the division’s central figure after scoring a knockout of Jeison Rosario last September to unify the WBC, WBA, and IBF world championships. Although Charlo has yet to become undisputed world champion in the division, as the only unified champion currently at 154lbs., the natural question that usually is asked after a fighter emerges victorious from a unification bout is who might be the next challenger.

 

A potential candidate that has made a strong argument for himself is undefeated top contender Tim Tszyu. Tszyu, the son of former longtime Jr. Welterweight world champion and Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, has emerged as a fast-rising contender in the division. Much like his father, Tszyu has also developed a reputation for having an ability to score knockouts. The marquee victory for Tszyu thus far came in August of last year when he stopped former WBO Welterweight world champion Jeff Horn in eight rounds.

 

Tszyu’s victory over Horn moved him into position as a top ten rated contender in the WBO, IBF, and WBO. Although Tszyu is currently the top contender in the WBO Jr. Middleweight ratings, a world championship currently held by Brian Castano, his number three rating in the IBF and number seven rating in the WBA could make him a potential opponent for Charlo. After defeating Horn, Tszyu scored a first round knockout of Bowyn Morgen in December of last year.

 

This led to what some felt would be another potential test in the form of former two-time world title challenger Dennis Hogan on March 31st in Newcastle, Australia. Hogan, who entered the bout with a record of 28-3-1, with 7 Knockouts compared to Tszyu’s 17-0, with 13 Knockouts, had previously lost in world championship bouts to former Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Mungia and Jermell Charlo’s brother Jermall at Middleweight. 

 

Even though it is insulting to give any fighter the label of a “Gatekeeper” because anything can happen when two fighters get into the ring, Hogan’s experience as a fighter who came up short in two world title bouts did make him in some ways an ideal opponent for a fighter in Tszyu’s position.  The type of fighter that can be used by a contender’s handlers to gage how close their charge might be to challenging for a world championship.

 

Tszyu’s approach in this fight can be described as one that was systematic as he applied consistent pressure on Hogan from the outset. An offensive output that seemed to have an emphasis on hooks to the body, gradually broke through Hogan’s defense as he was never really able to find his rhythm due to Tszyu’s pressure. This ultimately created an opening for Tszyu to land a flush left uppercut to the head of Hogan that sent him down in round five. Hogan’s corner elected to throw towel in shortly after Hogan got up from the knockdown as Tszyu pressed forward with follow up punches.

 

The ending of this fight was somewhat anti-climatic and can simply be described as a fighter showing patience and taking advantage of an opening once it presented itself. Tszyu’s performance however, was as good as one could expect from a fighter that has built the momentum he has and appears to be on the verge of fighting for a world championship. There was not much that one could point to as a potential reason why Tszyu should be held back in terms of what took place in the ring.

 

In terms of what might be a potential roadblock outside of the ring, in this observer’s view it will likely come down to whether or not promoters on opposite sides of the spectrum can work together to make a fight for a world championship happen for Tszyu. With a record that now stands at 18-0, with 14 Knockouts and having established a career knockout percentage of nearly 78%, it may be hard to say Tszyu hasn’t earned a chance at either Jermell Charlo or Brian Castano. The only questions that might remain are which world champion is available and whether or not a deal can be made that will determine whether or not Tim Tszyu will challenge for a world championship in his next fight.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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