WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu squared off at a press conference in Los Angeles on June 2nd to preview their co-main event showdown taking place Saturday, July 19.
The 154-pounders will lock horns again after engaging in 2024’s bloodiest fight. They share the bill with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao vs Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The Los Angeles press conference also included Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and his hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro, who meet for a second time after their action packed February clash, plus former two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and top contender Joet Gonzalez, who kick off the pay-per-view at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
Here is what the fighters had to say from The Novo at L.A. Live:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I don’t think this fight goes the distance. I’ve been training hard and growing since the first fight. Last year was a great year, but this year is gonna be even better.
“Tim Tszyu is a great fighter and I’m happy to share another 12 rounds with him. I think that I beat him pretty fair last time, and I just have to do it again.
“I always fight aggressive fighters like Tim. This is just more experience for me against that type of fighter.
“We can always improve off our past performances. Nobody fights a perfect fight. We’re going to make some changes that you’re gonna see on fight night.
“I’m very happy to be back against an incredible opponent. Last time we put on a great show, and I’m pretty sure we’re gonna do it again. I’m just ready to show everyone why I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.
“I just have to stick to my game plan. Me and my father had a plan for the first fight, and we’ll have a plan for this one. It’s just about who has a better team, that’s who wins the fight. And I’m sure my team is better.
“I’m continuing to grow and all the stars are lining up for me. We’re growing into our full man strength and fighting on these huge stages. Each step is a mile long, but if I just listen to what my dad says, I’ll be ready.
“I hope Tim’s fully recovered from the cut. I’m hoping it’s a hell of a fight.”
TIM TSZYU
“This is the most important fight for me. It gives me this burning fire. It’s the first rematch of my career and I’m excited to rewrite my mistake.
“It was one hell of a fight the first time. I love to test myself in the heart and prove to myself that I can go forward no matter what. It was a fun fight the first time and could be another Fight of the Year.
“Just over a year ago me and Fundora produced a classic. It was a fight that will be remembered by a lot of people for a very long time. This fight is round 13. It’s a new chapter and a new beginning. Even though things didn’t go my way, I intend to get back to where I started.
“Fundora is a hell of a fighter and the current king of 154. But it’s my turn to reclaim the throne. We’re gonna give the fans a really great treat.
“Me and Fundora, we both like to press and we both bring the action. Fighting against Fundora can’t be technical. You can’t really stay on your distance and take your time with him because he’s so tall. You have to make it a fight and bring the action. Anyone who fights him is in for a hard night at the office.
“I remember feeling him and his shots and sort of figuring him out early in our first fight. The hardest part was that I lost my focus from rounds three to round 10. I wasn’t in the same mindset that I was in the first two rounds. I adapted at the end of the fight, but it was a bit too late. I know what needs to be done this time.
“I want that belt and I want that title. But it’s not only about the belt, it’s about the story and the redemption. We had a hard fight and it’s something that I need to get back. It’s one of those things that I need to rewrite.
“This card is gonna deliver, because we have four tremendous fights and we’re all gonna bring it on July 19.”
ISAAC CRUZ
“We’re going to put on a show once again. Come out to see me once again get the victory. I can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas.
“I’m not worried about what he said. He says I don’t have a chin, but I still beat him. We’re gonna see on July 19.
“It’s not even worth replying to what Angel is saying right now. I’m gonna respond with my fists when that bell rings.
“I’m gonna win. There’s nothing more to say. Get ready, because I’m leaving that ring with another victory.
“He’s just one more in a long line of talkers who like to talk outside of the ring. I like to do my talking inside of the ring.”
ANGEL FIERRO
“I’m here to remove the bitter taste from my mouth from the first fight with Cruz. It’s gonna be a great fight and I can’t wait.
“I figured Isaac Cruz out in our first fight, and now he’s gonna have to figure me out. Isaac doesn’t have the chin that people say he has. So let’s see if he can figure out what to do in the rematch.
“We’re here because he didn’t win so convincingly. We’ll see what happens next. Everyone will see on July 19.
“In the third round of our last fight, I showed that I can rock him. No matter what he says, that happened. I said that I was gonna brawl the first time and it’s gonna be the same thing again. I’m gonna brawl my way to winning the fight, no matter what.
“I’m coming to give it my all. It’s win or go home. 100%. I don’t think about anything else other than winning.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I have a new trainer in Manny Robles and we’ve been working together the last four weeks. I feel incredible. I’ve been working very hard and I’m proud to be in this position.
“If you asked me when I started my career if I ever saw myself fighting on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao, I’d say you’re crazy. But this was destiny and I’m happy to be on this card with all these other hungry fighters.
“I’m really motivated knowing that I’ll be followed by all these great fighters. I know Joet Gonzalez comes ready, so we’re gonna give fans a great show and let everyone know that this card is stacked.
“I’m always down for a fight. Styles make fights and this opener is gonna be amazing. I just can’t wait to get in there.
“I’m coming with everything. I feel like I owe it to the boxing fans after my last performance. This time I’m giving everything I’ve got.
“I’m learning every day from Manny Robles. We’re just getting started and finding a groove. I come to work. I know he’ll have me ready in mind, body and spirit to get this win on July 19.”
JOET GONZALEZ
“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s a blessing. It’s always been a goal of mine to be on a stage like this. I always train hard and I’m gonna come with everything to get that win on July 19. I’ll be ready.
“I’m looking to make a big statement. I’m coming to get his win. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m planning to make the most of it.
“The whole world will be tuned in and I’m training really hard to get the win. I’m gonna leave it all on the line.
“I’m gonna get the victory by any means necessary. I train hard for every fight, and I’m coming to win.
“From top to bottom, every fighter up here has the potential to steal the show. That’s what I’m planning to do.”
