Tim Tszyu’s team have insisted the Australian has a rematch clause should he wish to get back in there with Sebastian Fundora.
Tszyu was relieved of his WBO super welterweight title, while Fundora also took the vacant WBC strap back home to Coachella, California with a split-decision victory at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night.
The incumbent champion started brightly and bloodied Fundora’s nose in the second round but an accidental elbow in the final seconds opened up a gaping cut on the top of Tszyu’s head.
MORE: Full card results from Tszyu vs. Fundora
Immediately after the restart, it was clear Tszyu’s vision was impaired and the fight quickly swung in Fundora’s favour.
Utilising an improved jab, Fundora kept Tszyu at range, while the 29-year-old Sydneysider chased the fight-changing shot.
It never came and while Tszyu did have some bright moments, Fundora did enough on two judges’ cards.
Following the fight, Tszyu was asked about the challenges brought about by the cut.
“I couldn’t see anything. Completely blind,” Tszyu said.
“No excuses. The better man won tonight and I’m pretty stoked to say that I fought in this arena.
“I looked down and it was like a fountain [of blood]. I thought ‘this can’t be good.’
“My eyesight was gone. Literally couldn’t see, I had to wipe my eyes non-stop.
“Physically I still felt alright… you’re fighting with blurry vision. It’s not ideal, especially with Fundora.”
Amid some confusion over whether there was a rematch clause, Tszyu’s promoter, George Rose of No Limit Boxing, confirmed his fighter had the option to run it back against the 6’6” southpaw.
“He [Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz] knows there’s a rematch clause there,” Rose told reporters.
“If we want to take it, we’ll take it. I’d love to see Tim take that and win them belts straight back.
“I’m happy for a rematch to happen next and good luck trying to get out of it.”
After the fight, Errol Spence faced off with Fundora in the ring, having already declared his wish to take on the winner.
Rose said all options were still on the table for Tszyu, although Terence Crawford took to social media to tell Tszyu he’d have to “work his way back up.”
“If an opportunity to fight Errol Spence or Terence Crawford pops up… you’d be silly to not consider it, but all of those fights are fights that he’d love to have, fights that I’d love to see him in,” Rose said, before singing Tszyu’s praises for his efforts in trying circumstances.
“He’s a bloke who couldn’t see for 10 rounds and still managed to push it to a split decision,” Rose added.
“If he wasn’t blinded by the blood, it definitely ends early in Tim Tszyu’s favour.”
