LOS ANGELES —
Sebastian Fundora and
Tim Tszyu met for a second time in four days Tuesday as part of their promotional tour for their July 19 rematch.
The WBC junior middleweight champion Fundora promised a more definitive fate for Tszyu next time out when the "The Towering Inferno" alluded that the Australian’s career could go up in flames from the result, which takes place as the co-main event to the
Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios fight in Las Vegas.
"I don't think this fight goes the distance," Fundora said during a press conference at The Novo at LA Live. "I've been training hard and growing since the first fight. Last year was a great year, but this year is gonna be even better.
"Tim Tszyu is a great fighter and I'm happy to share another 12 rounds with him. I think that I beat him pretty fair last time, and I just have to do it again."
The first encounter in March 2024 was a memorable firefight in which Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) outlasted Tszyu (25-2, 18 KOs) in a bloodbath by split decision. A massive gash on Tszyu's hairline changed the course of the fight, and Fundora did enough to get the nod.
"I hope Tim's fully recovered from the cut. I'm hoping it's a hell of a fight,” said Fundora. "We can always improve on our past performances. Nobody fights a perfect fight. We're going to make some changes that you're gonna see on fight night."
After a long-planned fight against
Errol Spence Jr. fell through, Fundora
returned in March to stop Chordale Booker in four rounds. Tszyu, meanwhile, was knocked out by Bakhram Murtazaliev in October and returned in April to
knockout Joseph Spencer in four rounds.
Tszyu was supposed to face former welterweight world champion
Keith Thurman next, but instead exercised a rematch clause to set up the sequel.
Fundora is also serious about eliminating any doubts from the first fight, evidenced by him
willingly vacating his WBO title rather than moving forward with a fight against
Xander Zayas.
"I'm continuing to grow and all the stars are lining up for me," said Fundora. "We're growing into our full man strength and fighting on these huge stages. Each step is a mile long, but if I just listen to what my dad [and trainer Freddy] says, I'll be ready.
"I'm very happy to be back against an incredible opponent. Last time we put on a great show, and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna do it again. I'm just ready to show everyone why I'm the best 154-pounder in the world."
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan