Sebastian Fundora has agreed to a re-match clause as the ‘Towering Inferno’ warned Tim Tszyu he is primed to knock out the Australian – both on American soil and in a potential return bout Down Under.
This masthead can reveal the Tszyu and Fundora camps have signed off on a re-match clause, giving the son of Kostya a safety net ahead of his Las Vegas debut in Sunday’s world-title blockbuster at T-Mobile Arena.
It can also be revealed tensions have broken out between the two rivals after Fundora’s camp goaded Tszyu by claiming the towering American will KO the ‘Soul Taker’ not once, but twice.
Historically, Tszyu’s promoters No Limit have not requested re-match clauses, but the chaotic build-up to this fight, sparked by Keith Thurman’s shock withdrawal last week due to injury, led to a twist in negotiations.
BOXING: Tszyu v Fundora + Zerafa v Lara LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
Tszyu (24-0, 17KO) was given just 12 days to prepare to face Fundora (20-1-1, 13KO). As a result, the Sydneysider has been given some contractual protection, with Fundora-Tszyu II to take place later this year – in Australia – if the American prevails in Sunday’s two-belt super welterweight unification bout.
Fundora’s trainer Sampson Lewkowicz, speaking exclusively to this masthead, confirmed the re-match clause, saying the towering 197cm American has no fear of losing to Tszyu.
“Yes, there is a re-match clause, Sebastian supported it,” Lewkowicz said.
“Before anyone else raised it, Fundora said, ‘I will give him a re-match and I will do it in Australia’.
“As we say in America, it will be Even Steven.
“Fundora said he gave me the opportunity in Vegas, so I will give him the same opportunity back in Australia.
“He said Tim can have the home advantage and Sebastian will still beat him.”
Tszyu’s manager Glen Jennings said the WBO world champion couldn’t care less about a re-match … because he won’t need one.
“Talk (from Fundora) is cheap,” he said.
“It is prudent to have a re-match clause, but that’s all it is, a background line on a contract that I will deal with, Tim won’t ever deal with that.
“In spite of that (re-match clause), we never talk about losing anyway.
“Should it have to be exercised, of course we will go through that position.
“But it doesn’t mean anything in our eyes because Tim will chop that big tree down and we’ll move on to the next one.
“This is a really difficult and dangerous fight, no doubt about that.
“But just as Tim hasn’t faced anyone with Fundora’s height, Fundora hasn’t faced anyone like Tim … he will get a shock at Tim’s pressure and power.
“There is not a single doubt in my mind Tim will get the job done, as he always does.”
BOXING: Don’t miss Tim Tszyu in a unified World Title fight this Sunday against 6-foot 6 Towering Inferno Sebastian Fundora. Plus catch fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa taking on Erislandy Lara for his shot to become the Middle Weight World Champion LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
The re-match clause can only be activated if Tszyu suffers the first loss of his 25-fight professional career.
A return bout would be held in Australia, giving the 29-year-old Tszyu crucial home advantage should he need to exact revenge.
There will be no re-match option for Fundora if the Towering Inferno is extinguished for a second consecutive bout after his shock loss to Brian Mendoza last April.
The Fundora camp still accepted those terms, demonstrating the confidence of the human skyscraper to suffocate Tszyu with his 22cm height advantage on home turf at the T-Mobile Arena.
“When I offered him this fight, Sebastian said I will be the winner, then I will give him a re-match in Australia because Tim won’t take the fight,” Lewkowicz said.
“But he forgot Tszyu is like his father (Kostya). He has the same blood as Kostya Tszyu.
“He will never say no to any risky fight.”
Fundora’s confidence of back-to-back-wins is evidence he has no respect for the accomplishments of Tszyu, according to No Limit boss George Rose.
“Tim was pissed off when Fundora’s camp suggested he would knock him out,” Rose said.
“He is biting at the bit. He is like a Raging Bull at the moment.
“Tim knows he is in the same class as Fundora and can definitely beat him, but they are giving him no respect.
“It’s a kick in the guts that he feels disrespected, but if anything, it’s only spurring him on to prove the Americans wrong.
“Some people think he’s just another Australian fighter who hasn’t done too much, but he wiped the floor with Tony Harrison and Brian Mendoza and I believe he can overcome Fundora’s height advantage.
“No other fighter in the world would take on this sort of challenge with just 12 days’ notice.
“If anyone can pull this off, it’s Tim Tszyu.”
#Australia #boxing #star #rematch #clause #fighter
