Tim Tszyu is on the cusp of cementing his legacy as one of Australia’s all-time boxing greats – but standing in his way is the tallest task of his career, literally.
The unbeaten Aussie will be looking to become a unified super-welterweight champion on Sunday (AEDT) in Las Vegas against Sebastian Fundora, who stands at 197cm tall and also has a significant reach advantage over Tszyu.
Fundora’s only loss came last year against Brian Mendoza – the same man Tszyu defeated on home soil in October to retain the WBO title.
Speaking at the press conference two days out from the fight, the 29-year-old Tszyu explained why becoming a unified title holder like his father, Kostya, was always his “destiny” inside the ring, while also shouting out some other legendary names in the sport’s history.
“It’s been a long road, but I’ve dreamt of this moment my whole life. Everything I’ve done has led to this point … the show goes on and destiny awaits,” Tszyu said.
“It’s all about collecting belts and collecting legacy. We’re going to show that the Tszyu name is the greatest boxing family of all time.
“It’s quite hard to prepare for a fighter like Fundora. But a true champion rises to the occasion. I came here as a throwback fighter and that’s what I want to be.
“Of course he’s got height, but we all bleed the same blood. There’s no difference between us. I’m taking inspiration from Mike Tyson and everything he did into this fight.
“Every moment has led to this. In 2009 I came here to watch Manny Pacquiao fight Miguel Cotto and it was in my brain that this was where I wanted to be.
“Now I see Miguel Cotto sitting right here and it’s unbelievable.”
A victory for Tszyu would see him retain his WBO belt, while adding the WBC strap to his cabinet.
It could also result in him facing pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford later this year in a blockbuster clash in the United States.
Tszyu will headline a huge card at T-Mobile Arena, with fellow Aussie star Michael Zerafa also competing in a world title bout.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Tszyu vs Fundora.
What time is Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora?
The main card for Tszyu vs Fundora kicks off at 11am AEDT on Sunday, March 31.
The undefeated Tszyu is expected to walk to the ring at approximately 2.30pm for his world title bout against Fundora.
Where is Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora?
The bout between Tszyu and Fundora will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The venue has been host to a number of high-profile boxing and UFC events over the years and has a capacity of 20,000 people.
How to watch Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora
The clash between Tszyu and Fundora will be live on pay-per-view.
The event will be $69.95 on Main Event and Kayo for Aussie fans.
Wide World of Sports will also run a comprehensive live blog of the whole card.
Will Kostya Tszyu be at Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora?
Unfortunately, Tszyu’s legendary father Kostya will not be in attendance on Sunday for the world title showdown.
He had initially planned to be ringside, but reports claim potential issues getting out of Russia stopped him going.
Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora fight card
- Tim Tszyu (c) vs Sebastian Fundora for the WBC and WBO super welterweight title
- Rolando Romero (c) vs Isaac Cruz for the WBA super lightweight title
- Erislandy Lara (c) vs Michael Zerafa for the WBA middleweight title
- Julio Cesar Martinez vs Angelino Cordova for the WBC flyweight title
- Serhii Bohachuk vs Brian Mendoza for the interim WBC super welterweight title
- Elijah Garcia vs Kyrone Davis
Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora betting odds
Tszyu is rated a $1.22 betting favourite with Sportsbet, with his opponent Fundora rated a $4.80 outsider with the bookies.
The most popular result is for Tszyu to win via knockout at $1.42 odds.
Tim Tszyu career record and bio
- Age: 29
- Born: Sydney, Australia
- Nickname: The Soul Taker
- Trainer: Igor Goloubevk (uncle)
- Height: 175cm
- Reach: 179cm
- Weight: 68kg
- 24-0 record (17 via knockout)
Sebastian Fundora career record and bio
- Age: 29
- Born: Florida, USA
- Nickname: The Towering Inferno
- Trainer: Freddy Fundora (father)
- Height: 197cm
- Reach: 203cm
- Weight: 68kg
- 20-1-1 record (13 via knockout)
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