TIM TSZYU suffered a shock points loss to late replacement Sebastian Fundora after sustaining a horror cut which caused a bloodbath of a bout.
Tszyu was due to face Keith Thurman in Amazon Prime’s inaugural pay-per-view event but the ex-welterweight champion pulled out injured.
So in stepped the 6ft 6in super-welterweight Fundora, who inherited the WBO and WBC title shot on a week’s notice.
The lanky American was considered an outsider coming into the bout having only been stopped by Brian Mendoza 11 months prior.
But Fundora pulled off a remarkable upset victory to hand Tszyu – son of Aussie legend Kostya – a first loss in 25 bouts.
Tszyu, 29, said: “Look, I told you, I’m an old throwback fighter whatever circumstances.
“I couldn’t see but all credit belongs to the man who won tonight. These things happen. The momentum was rolling.
“I was swinging hard in the first rounds and then ‘boom’, you’re blinded completely. But, look, this is boxing.
“This is part of the sport and it happens. Congratulations to Fundora – he’s the new king at 154.”
An accidental elbow from Fundora, 26, in round two left Tszyu completely covered in blood with claret running down his face.
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But the ringside doctor and referee cleared the son of a legend to box on, doing so with impaired vision for ten of the 12 rounds.
And it was Fundora – who claimed to have broken his nose – that just edged out Tszyu to join his sister Gabriela as a world champion.
He said: “We’ve been praying for this moment for a long time and I’m just happy that Tim Tszyu gave me the opportunity and the opportunity became my dream come true.
“I didn’t want to break my nose today, but this is my life and this is boxing. I just had to be smart. I used my brain. I hope you saw me use my boxing skills tonight.
“Tszyu is a world champion for a reason. It’s an honor to share the ring and make history with him. This means the world to me.
“My dad is in the running for Trainer of the Year with me and my sister both being world champions. Boxing is our life and I’m very grateful.”
Former unified welterweight world champ Errol Spence Jr, 34, got in the ring to call out Fundora.
But Terence Crawford, 36, who beat the Texan last year, has also set his sights on a move up in weight to challenge Fundora.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
