American boxing legend Andre Ward has declared Sebastian Fundora a “dangerous” world title challenger for Tim Tszyu, while also warning the undefeated Australian that his rival is here in Las Vegas “playing with house money”.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, popular Hall of Famer Ward also predicted the ‘Towering Inferno’ would give Tszyu plenty of trouble early — thanks to his overwhelming height and reach advantages – and urged the challenger to keep at it “not just for moments, but rounds”.
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 Middleweight World Champion LIVE from Las Vegas | SUN 31 MAR 11AM AEDT | Exclusive to Main Event, order on Kayo Sports. No Kayo subscription needed.
LIVE BLOG: Follow Tszyu vs Fundora and Zerafa vs Lara right here!
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In a huge coup for Australian boxing fans, Ward will be part of Sunday’s Main Event coverage as WBO super welterweight champ Tszyu looks to unify the division by also taking the vacant WBC strap in his clash with Fundora.
Apart from going undefeated throughout his own storied career – which included unifying both the light heavyweight and super middleweight divisions – the fighter dubbed ‘Son Of God’ is now ranked among the sport’s most recognised analysts.
Speaking before Friday’s weigh-ins at the MGM Grand, Ward heaped praise on Tszyu’s ascension to WBO world champion, and also described a potential showdown with US superstar Terence Crawford as “salivating”.
However, SOG quickly added that Fundora would be a dangerous opponent this Sunday afternoon, especially if choosing to use his obvious physical advantages for extended periods throughout the fight.
Despite being knocked out by Brian Mendoza last April, his most recent appearance, the 197cm southpaw was winning every round and has long been considered something of the division’s Next Big Thing.
And while Tszyu did beat Mendoza by decision last October, the fighter dubbed La Bala took rounds from the Aussie in a bout eventually judged 116-112, 116-111, 117-111.
“So Fundora has to be respected,” Ward stressed.
“And in this fight, he really has nothing to lose.
“He’s in a situation where he can fight freely, under no pressure, and that makes him dangerous.
“I also think Fundora’s extreme height advantage will give Tszyu some trouble early on as he tries to find his range.
“It’s a good test for Tszyu – a southpaw who is long – and I’ll be watching to see how quickly he makes his adjustments and what adjustments he makes.”
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Quizzed on suggestions Fundora was a more difficult rival than original opponent Keith Thurman, who withdrew due to a biceps injury, Ward continued: “Fundora is dangerous in a different way.
“Coming off a knockout loss, nobody expects anything of him.
“He’s playing with house money at this point.
“Which makes him dangerous.
“It’s one thing when there is pressure on both guys and neither can afford to make a mistake or slip.
“If Keith Thurman had lost, he’s washed up so has a lot to fight for.
“But Fundora doesn’t have that.
“It’s also dangerous for Tszyu because if you beat a guy who got knocked out in his last fight, and the way he got knocked out, what credit do you get?
“People expect you to win.
“And they expect you to look good doing it too if you want to put your name in line with the likes of Terence Crawford.”
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Regardless, Ward is still backing Tszyu to unify the WBO and WBC super welterweight titles.
“Because I’ve seen a lot of him,” he said.
“Or I’ve seen enough.
“Tim’s young and has that freshness about him, believes he can beat anybody.
“He can fight, too.
“He’s got power, strength.
“And he’s at a really interesting stage of his career now because with that ascension, there’s a lot that can go right to position him as one of the great champions in this era.
“But there’s a lot can go wrong.
“And in boxing, there are no guarantees.
“But in terms of the eye test, what you see from Tim Tszyu – even what we hear from him – he checks the boxes.”
So as for what the fight will look like?
“Fundora makes a lot of defensive mistakes,” Ward said.
“He doesn’t always use his height, isn’t always defensively responsible.
“And he leaves his chin out there.
“Tim Tszyu knows that.
“He and his team knows that.
“So once Tszyu closes the distance, makes the necessary adjustments, I think he’ll be right in line to land that shot we’ve seen him land on people before.”
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So as for how Fundora causes the upset playing with house money?
“I’d have to see a Fundora I’ve never seen before,” Ward continued.
“See someone who uses their height and reach not just for moments, but for rounds — and ultimately the fight.
“I’d have to see a Fundora who is defensively responsible after he punches, too.
“A guy who knows how to stay there and when to get out.
“I’d also have to see a fighter who has overcome the devastating knockout that he took and isn’t afraid to exchange and be the guy he has always been – just with better defence.
“I’d have to see a guy that I haven’t seen before.
“Because I haven’t seen a Fundora so far that can beat Tim Tszyu.
“But it’s boxing.
“Anything can happen.
“It’s possible, but I just don’t think it’s likely he beats Tszyu.”
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.
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Of course, there is also plenty of talk about both Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jnr wanting the winner of this fight, with Fox Sports Australia revealing this week that talks have already been ongoing for months between Australian promoters No Limit and management for the megastar dubbed ‘Bud’.
So as for all the excitement Down Under regarding the potential of Tszyu versus Crawford?
“It’s a lot to be excited about,” Ward agreed.
“Because you’ve got a young fighter knocking on the door and – while I haven’t talked to Tim yet about fighting Terence – I’m sure he believes he can beat him.
“So there’s a lot to be excited about.
“You have the best fighter in the world in Terence Crawford coming off the best win of his career against Errol Spence, so the fans just want to see him in action again.
“Then you match him against Tszyu, it’s a salivating match up.
“And one that’s dangerous for both guys.
“Crawford as the older fighter, is now holding off the young wolves.
“You’ve got Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis wanting to fight you, not because he disrespects you but because he just wants his shot.
“Then you’ve got Tszyu who isn’t doing as much talking but he’s not running from that fight, either.
“But these young guys, they’re also in the position Terence wants them.
“Because you don’t know what you don’t know.
“Tim Tszyu isn’t afraid of Terence Crawford though and that makes him dangerous.”
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