British promoter Eddie Hearn has given Tim Tszyu a fighting chance at redemption ahead of his anticipated rematch with Sebastian Fundora, but with a sharp reality check.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia in New York, Hearn labelled the fight “50/50” and warned Tszyu’s walk-forward style would continue to struggle against boxing’s elite.
“I think the fight is 50/50,” Hearn said. “Because Fundora, he’s tricky and full of confidence right now. He’s also awkward... horribly awkward.”
Tszyu, who suffered a gory cut in their first clash, is tipped to run it back with the American in Las Vegas on July 20. While he impressed in his most recent bounce-back win over Joey Spencer, Hearn questioned how the Australian’s brawler approach would hold up long-term on the world stage.
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“He’s a big, strong boy. Big heart, big balls,” Hearn added. “But when you fight like he fights, every now and then you come up against someone a little bit better, a little stronger, someone who punches that little bit harder... and that happened against Murtazaliev. That was brutal to watch.”
‘Not invincible’
The Matchroom boss suggested Tszyu’s dominance over lower-ranked opposition, especially in Australia, may have contributed to a false sense of invincibility.
“He’s spent a lot of time fighting in Australia and dominating those top 15 type guys, or guys slightly past it like Tony Harrison,” he said.
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“And I think Tim and his team probably, not fell for the hype, but felt they were invincible... Thought they could walk through everyone.”
Still, Hearn isn't ruling out Tszyu lifting a world title again, despite the caution.
“Joey Spencer isn’t really world class, but he’s still decent, and I think it showed, physically, that Tim Tszyu is back.”