The defeats for Tszyu against Fundora x 2 and Bakhram Murtazaliev showed that he\u2019s not an \u201celite level\u201d fighter at 154. Hearn added that there are better fighters than Fundora at junior middleweight, naming Jaron Ennis and Terence Crawford. He believes that Tszyu is down in the pack talent-wise, below Ennis, Crawford, Fundora, and Murtazaliev. Hearn didn\u2019t mention any other fighters that he believes are above Tszyu.<\/p>\n
Below the Top Tier<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the last defeat [for Tszyu] was really crushing because in the first fight [against Sebastian Fundora], he did really well. Then getting stopped by [Bakhram] Murtazaliev, and then coming and getting stopped by Fundora, it was a big blow. Fans are very quick to put you at the back of the queue. We\u2019re not sure if he is elite world-class,\u201d said Hearn.<\/p>\n
Tszyu appeared overmatched from the first round against Fundora and was getting overwhelmed with the volume from the WBC 154-lb champion. On the inside, Tim got hit repeatedly with uppercuts and short hooks from Fundora. He showed no head movement to avoid the punches.<\/p>\n
Mistake of the Rematch<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing straight back to Fundora, a stylistic nightmare, was a mistake. He didn\u2019t show any new tools to handle the height or volume. It was like watching the first fight all over again,\u201d said prominent Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix, reacting to Tszyu\u2019s loss to Fundora last July.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s [Tszyu] has got to make the investment now to come back. That for me is to have a couple of fights to get back in the winning groove. I don\u2019t know about his training, but he\u2019s had a lot of tough fights, and those fights take their toll,\u201d said Hearn.<\/p>\n
Tszyu already took a rebuilding fight against a low-ranked fringe 154-lb contender, Joey Spencer, earlier this year on April 6th, and knocked him out in four rounds in Newcastle.<\/p>\n
In that fight, Tim, 30, looked like the same talent that he\u2019d been before his back-to-back defeats against Fundora and Murtazaliev.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim\u2019s a tough kid, but you could tell he was carrying some PTSD from those losses. He fought like he wanted to prove something, but he didn\u2019t fight smart,\u201d said WBA junior middleweight champion Terence Crawford to ESPN Ringside Commentary, discussing Tszyu\u2019s psychological state during the Fundora rematch. \u201cAgainst a guy like Fundora, you need movement and a plan B. He had neither,\u201d said Crawford.<\/p>\n
When Tszyu fought Fundora in their rematch three months later on July 19th, he was stopped in seven rounds by Fundora in Las Vegas. Tim looked worse than he had in the first fight against Sebastian on March 30, 2024.<\/p>\n
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Bob Smith has been writing for Boxing News 24 since 2008, making him one of the site\u2019s longest-serving contributors. With well over a decade of experience, he has established himself as a senior boxing writer who delivers reliable coverage of the global fight scene.<\/p>\n
Bob\u2019s work includes fight reports, news pieces, and features that highlight both world champions and rising contenders, giving fans a clear view of the sport\u2019s past and present. Known for his consistency, accuracy, and deep understanding of boxing, Bob remains a trusted voice for readers looking to stay informed on the worldwide fight game.<\/p>\n