Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora: Betting Odds & Prediction
(Featured image: Alamy Images)
Tim Tszyu defends his WBO super welterweight championship against Sebastian Fundora, with the vacant WBC title also on the line this Saturday in Las Vegas.
Fundora steps in as a last-minute replacement after original opponent Keith Thurman suffered a biceps injury, forcing him to withdraw from the contest. The winner looks set to welcome undisputed welterweight champion Terrence Crawford to the 154lbs division later this year.
Tale of the Tape
Australia’s Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) comes into the contest on the back of a standout win against Brian Mendoza late last year. The Australian now gets his second opportunity to showcase his skills stateside after a lack lustre American debut against Terrell Gausha, where he was forced to pick himself off the canvas, in March, 2022.
Tszyu is known as a formidable puncher with brutal knockout victories over the likes of Carlos Ocampo and Tony Harrison, and possesses an impressive 70% KO ratio.
Fundora (20-1-1, 13KOs) will believe his height will give him a massive advantage coming into the contest, though. Tszyu will have only had a few weeks to prepare for the 6”5 American’s nine-inch height advantage – the most ever in a title fight outside of heavyweight.
Despite his height, Fundora is renowned for his aggressive and up-close style that has earnt him an impressive 65% KO ratio in 22 professional contests. He suffered his first career defeat last time out, though. The 26-year-old was brutally stopped inside seven rounds by the aforementioned Mendoza, who Tsyzu comprehensively outboxed over 12 rounds in October.
SATURDAY NIGHTS ARE MADE FOR FIGHTS‼️🔥
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Prediction
Tszyu will be out to make a statement in his second fight in America after being dropped by Gausha in 2022. Fundora may be tall in stature, but Tszyu won’t have to go looking for him as the American is known for his inside fighting.
Though the Australian may struggle to get to grips with the gangly Fundora, we expect Tsyzu to acclimatise as the fight goes on. The bookies are offering little on the moneyline for a Tszyu victory, so a total rounds call seems the safest bet.