Sebastian Fundora’s camp has slammed Tim Tszyu and says he must to return to America to reclaim his world title

Tim Tszyu’s hopes of a rematch with Sebastian Fundora in Australia have suffered a massive blow amid explosive allegations of physical threats and abuse towards the American’s team.

Tim Tszyu may be denied a rematch with Sebastian Fundora on home soil. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Sebastian Fundora’s camp has launched a stinging attack on Tim Tszyu, claiming his “disrespect” has cost the fallen Australian world champion any hope of a rematch on home soil.

With both fighters in recovery mode after their bloody war in Las Vegas a fortnight ago, Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has come out swinging at Tszyu and says a rematch will only happen in America.

Lewkowicz also made the explosive claim a person with an “Australian accent” threatened to bash him on fight eve in Vegas, evidence in his eyes that neither he nor Fundora would be safe Down Under.

Tim Tszyu (left) and Sampson Lewkowicz go at it in Las Vegas. Picture: Brendan Bradford

While the veteran promoter lauded Tszyu’s bravery in fighting 10 rounds with a severe head gash, Lewkowicz says Tszyu labelling him a “weasel” has blown the ‘Soul Taker’s’ hopes of a rematch in Australia.

Fundora, nursing a broken nose, has been suspended from fighting until September 27, while Tszyu, the former WBO world champion, is sidelined until May 15.

A rematch clause, inserted by Tszyu’s promoters No Limit, originally stated a return bout would take place in Australia, but Lewkowicz is adamant Fundora-Tszyu II will be held in America around November, most likely back at T-Mobile Arena.

“We are doing the rematch in America,” Lewkowicz told the Raw Sport podcast.

“Australia is not on the table anymore.

“I am too old to be mistreated in my country, in my home.

Sebastian Fundora and his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz (left) have ruled out travelling to Australia for a rematch.

“I’m not going to his (Tszyu’s) country, I can only imagine how they would be to me over in Australia in his home.

“I’m not accepting that disrespect.”

At the press conference two days before the fight, Tszyu personally fronted Lewkowicz to express his anger at the promoter saying Fundora would beat the Sydneysider not once, but twice.

Lewkowicz claims he then feared for his safety after being threatened by an “Australian” in the room. He is not sure if the unidentified person was a member of Team Tszyu.

“One of the guys in the press conference threatened to beat me up. He had an Australian accent,” he said.

“I wish I knew who it was but I recognised the accent and I said to him, ‘You are out of your mind. In America, you put a finger on me and you are in jail’.

“Tim Tszyu meant what he said about me and that’s the issue.

“He made a joke of me. He showed me no respect. I looked in his eyes and I can see something is wrong with the kid.

“Based on the attitude of Tim Tszyu and his team, we are not doing a rematch in Australia.

“Anyway, I don’t believe a rematch in Australia will bring the money that both fighters deserve.”

Despite the bitter war of words, Lewkowicz insists Fundora will not renege on a Tszyu rematch.

The 73-year-old promoter says Tszyu’s reputation has been elevated in America by his braveheart performance and made the stunning claim the son of Kostya could beat Terence Crawford.

“I honestly believe that Crawford is getting old and Tszyu can knock him out,” Lewkowicz said.

“That would be a big fight in America and Terence is looking for a pay day.

Tszyu took time out with his fiancee in Hawaii after his Fundora war.

“Tim Tszyu hasn’t lost anything from this fight (against Fundora).

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

“Fundora has agreed to a rematch. I will comply with my word. The rematch is on the table, but if Tim Tszyu doesn’t want to wait until November or December, we will look at someone else.

“They both deserve a rematch to happen in Vegas.”

Originally published as Sebastian Fundora’s camp has slammed Tim Tszyu and says he must to return to America to reclaim his world title