Tim Tszyu’s stature only grows during ‘one of bloodiest fights’ on record in Las Vegas

WARNING: Graphic images. Blood streaming from his head and vision impaired, yet Tim Tszyu kept fighting despite being on the wrong end of the judges split decision. JAMIE PANDARAM provides analysis of the WBO and WBC super welterweight bout.

A stray elbow left Tim Tszyu with a deep cut on his head. Picture: Main Event

Blinded by his own blood, Tim Tszyu’s vision of glory in Las Vegas was ruined, but his stature as a warrior of boxing has only grown.

Tszyu suffered the first loss of his career in one of the bloodiest fights ever seen, after he ran into Fundora’s elbow at the end of the second round.

The 29-year-old Australian valiantly fought on as blood filled his eyes and prevented him from seeing many of Fundora’s crisp shots, leaving the judges split in their scoring with one giving Tszyu the fight 116-112, while the other two handed Fundora the WBC and WBO super-welterweight belts with scores of 116-112 and 115-113.

The fact it was so close is a testament to Tszyu’s resilience.

Who will Sebastian Fundora fight next? Picture: Getty Images

Few other fighters could have dragged out such a hearty performance while so vision impaired.

Tszyu is now 24-1 (17KO), and still a big dog in a division that now attracts superstars Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford.

Fundora (21-1-1, 13KO) and Spence Jr faced off in the ring after the new champion was crowned, and they’re both keen for a showdown.

However, given the circumstances of this bout, a rematch between Tszyu and Fundora would be a strong option.

Tim Tszyu has had 10 stitches to fix the ghastly cut he suffered.
📸 PBC pic.twitter.com/vUreW59hpx

— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) March 31, 2024

Tszyu lost no fans with his gutsy display, and assured the Las Vegas fans he is willing to take on the best while graciously accepting his defeat.

He suffered the nasty cut on the top of his head in the second round, and the blood was gushing so prevalently he could barely see through the third.

Tszyu was able to close distance in the opening seconds of the first bell, and found a home with his overhand right in the opening round as Fundora attempted to jab and counter without success.

If Tim Tszyu won the final round on Sutherland’s scorecard, he would have pulled out a draw. Amazing fight wasn’t stopped with how bad Tszyu’s vision was due to that cut, but credit to Fundora for executing a disciplined game plan and fighting through some bad cuts of his own. pic.twitter.com/DZW58ccdmB

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) March 31, 2024

Fundora was rocked in the second by a sharp Tszyu right, that busted his nose, before the accidental elbow.

It changed the complexion of the contest, as Fundora began to land his shots while Tszyu furiously tried to wipe the flowing blood out of his eyes.

There was a recognition of desperation, as Tszyu tried to land wild looping right hands, hoping to end the contest with one punch before the blood could sabotage him.

Tszyu’s cutman Mark Gambin could do little to stem the flow given how long and deep the wound was.

The ringside doctor looked the cut twice, after the third and sixth rounds, with the crowd fearing a stoppage, but the bout was allowed to continue.

Tszyu had better moments in the fifth and sixth, whacking his towering opponent with tighter, sharper blows.

Fundora jabbed away at Tszyu’s gash incessantly in the seventh, with the Australian struggling to evade the hits.

But he readjusted in the eighth by attacking Fundora’s torso with more intent, and was able to telegraph his punches brilliantly.

Tszyu rocked Fundora in the 10th round with a left-right combination, but Fundora bounced back to win the 11th with the busier jab.

The final round was a hardcore brawl with Tszyu catching Fundora with strong punches, but the Californian had no quit in him.

While the loss is a blow to Tszyu’s juggernaut journey towards the top of the sport, the bloody circumstances and his never-back-down style will ensure he remains in the mix for the biggest fights that can be made in the 154 pound realm.

Originally published as Tim Tszyu’s stature only grows during ‘one of bloodiest fights’ on record in Las Vegas