Tim Tszyu's camp responds after Aussie warned against potential career-ending move

Yahoo

16 hours ago

Tim Tszyu is facing a tough career call after his second devastating loss to Sebastian Fundora with the Aussie boxer warned to avoid a mega-money bout with American Keith Thurman. Tszyu was outgunned against his towering American rival having been battered in nearly every round before failing to return from the corner after the seventh.
Tszyu showed heart to battle back after a first round knockdown from a left hook, but was bombarded from distance as Fundora took everything the Aussie threw at him. And Tszyu didn't return after the seventh round having looked out on his feet at the end.
And Tszyu's third loss in four fights appears to have derailed what could have been mega-money fights against the likes of Jermell Charlo, Errol Spence Jnr and the No.1 target on his list Thurman. Question marks remain over where Tszyu goes from here with the fighter clearly needing a break after two heavy losses across the last 18 months.
While Tszyu will most likely be keen on continuing his foray in the US, the Aussie has now lost his three fights overseas. He will be expected to continue his career back on the domestic front and fellow Aussie Michael Zerafa is his predicted opponent.
While there is plenty of question marks over his future in the sport, promoter George Rose suggested Tszyu would take some time away first to recover after taking so much damage. Although he had no doubt Tszyu can bounce back. "First and foremost, he needs to just recover from this, go through your process of facing defeat," Rose said after the fight. "You've got to go through your moments with that, and then it's a decision for him.
"He's still, as far as talent and capability goes, very much a very capable fighter, a very talented fighter, and I still think that he still beats most of the guys in the division on his night. It's just a decision up to him as to what he's going to do, whether he gets back in the gym on Monday, whether he has a break, what he does."
While fans are questioning where Tszyu goes from here, one of his rivals believes there is no doubt the Aussie can bounce back. Although he warned him who he should avoid as his next opponent.
Keith Thurman's warning to Tim Tszyu
Thurman was in attendance at the Tszyu fight, clearly keen to potentially build the momentum for their potential fight if the Aussie won, but was quick to warn the 30-year-old it could be career-ending if they go toe-to-toe. The outspoken American suggested if they fight it won't go well for Tszyu after his latest displays. 'How bad do want Tim Tszyu to get beat up?' he told The Punch Podcast. 'Y'all hate Tim Tszyu?
'Y'all want him to get murdered?' Thurman felt Tszyu may have overestimated his own talent, before proving himself overseas against elite competition. Speaking on his way out of the arena, Thurman feels Tszyu can build his legacy back up with a few wins. Although he warned him about stepping into the ring against him.
'No, the kid's not done but they need to pick the right fights,' Thurman said. 'They need to pick somebody who is better than (Joey) Spencer but who is not a world champion. Or a Hall of Famer like myself. You take me over to the Gold Coast and I will end Tim Tszyu's career. If that's what you all want to see, pay me and I'll do it. I'll get rid of Tszyu.'
Tim Tszyu facing reset back in Australia
American boxing great Shawn Porter felt the Aussie may need time to build back up to the big fights before heading back overseas. And this could see Tszyu go home and reset. 'It's hard to not feel this train ride come to a halt,' Porter said.
'It's doesn't mean it's going to end, it's just slowed down...I don't believe that Tim Tszyu has fought his way out of title contention. It just doesn't go through Sebastian Fundora." Porter suggested there were a number of 'technical errors' in Tszyu's style that need to be addressed if he wants to take on top competition again, which starts with his defence and head movement.