Sebastian Fundora returns earlier than expected with world title fight against Errol Spence

Tim Tszyu’s hopes for a rematch with Sebastian Fundora have copped a massive blow with the Towering Inferno returning to the ring earlier than expected for a big-money title fight.

The wild wash-up continues from Tim Tszyu’s loss in a bloodbath world title bout to Sebastian Fundora.

The “Towering Inferno” is returning months earlier than expected for a big-money title fight against Errol Spence.

Fundora, who claimed the WBO and WBC titles via split decision when Tszyu fought 10 rounds with one eye after copping one of the worst cuts in boxing history, will face former welterweight world champion Spence in October.

The fight is expected to be held in Spence’s hometown of Dallas, where Fundora will put the WBC belt on the line.

ESPN said the WBO title would also be on the line but the sanctioning body is expected to meet this week to decide whether to strip Fundora instead after ordering him to defend the belt against Terence Crawford.

Spence was ringside for Fundora’s shock win over Tszyu after the 198cm tall Californian stepped in on late notice when Keith Thurman pulled out injured.

Fundora became the surprise unified super-welterweight champion with a narrow win over Tim Tszyu in March. Picture: Getty Images

Spence confronted Fundora in the ring and when asked for his prediction on how a fight between them would go, made a sleeping motion as he exited T-Mobile Arena to signify Fundora would be knocked out.

After receiving serious injuries to his eye socket and nose against Tszyu, Fundora was medically suspended before his team said he wouldn’t be fit to return until next year.

Tszyu’s team only had a verbal agreement for a rematch with Fundora but Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz said his fighter would honour it.

Fundora (R), celebrates with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. Picture: Getty Images

“I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honour the agreement,” said Lewkowicz, who Tszyu has labelled “The Weasel”.

“My word is always equal to a signed contract. Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are.”

Believing Fundora would be out of action until next year, and not willing to wait around, Tszyu booked a dangerous fight against former welterweight knockout artist Vergil Ortiz in Los Angeles on August 3 (August 4 in Australia).

The Fundora-Spence showdown is a good fight on paper but makes little sense otherwise.

Errol Spence (R) was obliterated by Terence Crawford last year. Picture: Getty Images

Spence is coming off a devastating ninth-round TKO loss to Crawford last year, has never fought at super-welterweight and has only fought twice in the past three years.

In the main event of Tszyu’s comeback fight night, Crawford will take on Israil Madrimov for the WBA super-welterweight title.

If Crawford and Spence both win, they could have a second bout to unify at 154 pounds.

It’s unclear where that leaves WBC interim champion Serhii Bohachuk, who bizarrely claimed the interim belt on the same night Fundora and Tszyu fought for the vacant title.

Tszyu returned to Sydney late last week to continue his training camp after spending three weeks in Thailand under the tutelage of his dad, Kostya.

It was the first time they had teamed up since Tszyu’s professional debut and Tim leaned on his dad’s “old school” methods to kick off his preparations for Ortiz.

Originally published as Sebastian Fundora returns earlier than expected with world title fight against Errol Spence