Tszyu's Australian rematch in tatters over 'threat'

The manager for Sebastian Fundora declared the rematch against Tim Tszyu will not take place in Australia, if in fact the fight goes ahead.

With both fighters still recovering after their 12 round bloodbath a fortnight ago, talk of a rematch has taken a turn, with Samson Lewkowicz claiming the sequel will not take place down under because he was shown “disrespect” the night before the fight.

A rematch clause inserted by Tszyu’s promoters, stated a return bout would take place in Australia – but Lewkowicz, speaking to the Raw Sport podcast, said he was “threatened by an individual with a clear Australian accent” the night before the fight in Las Vegas, that saw Fundora pull off the bloody upset win.

Tim Tszyu, of Australia, right, and Sebastian Fundora trade blows in a super welterweight title bout Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“We are doing the rematch in America,” the veteran promoter said. “Australia is not on the table anymore.

“I am too old to be mistreated in my country, my home. I’m not going to his (Tszyu’s) country. I can only imagine how they would be to me. I’m not accepting the disrespect.”

Lewkowicz said the rematch should take place at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, later in the year, and if that was not agreeable, then both parties can go their separate ways.

“The rematch is on the table for Tim Tszyu, I will honour my word. Fundora has agreed to the fight,” he added.

“If Tszyu doesn’t want to wait until November or December, we will look at [fighting] someone else.”

It’s likely Lewkowicz hasn’t forgotten being labelled a ‘weasel’ by a fired up Tszyu pre-bout last month – but also paid tribute to Tszyu’s skills: “I honestly believe that [Terence] Crawford is getting old and Tszyu can knock him out.

“That would be a big fight in America and Terence is looking for a pay day. Tim Tszyu [also] hasn’t lost anything from this fight [against Fundora].

“His name is gold-plated now and he is certified in America. He was very brave.”

Following the shock split decision win over Tszyu, Fundora received a suspension from boxing as a result of the injuries he suffered in the epic encounter.

Fundora suffered a broken nose in the first round, which has seen him provisionally suspended until 27 September. If he wants to return earlier he’ll need clearance from a doctor.

Tszyu will not be able to return to the ring until May 15, after he was left with 10 stitches on his scalp from the accidental Fundora elbow that changed the complexion of the fight.