For the most part, a late replacement in boxing signals something of a walkover. However, that is certainly not the case for WBO super welterweight champ Tim Tszyu, who takes on the dangerous Sebastian Fundora on March 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
WATCH: Tszyu vs. Fundora on Amazon Prime Video
Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) was supposed to fight former unified welterweight titleholder Keith Thurman. However, “One Time” suffered an injury late in training camp and was pulled from the show. Almost immediately, Fundora, who was scheduled to face Serhii Bohachuk on the undercard, agreed to step in at just 12 days’ notice.
Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) has nothing to lose and everything to gain. The vacant WBC title, as well as the WBO championship, will be on the line and this is the perfect opportunity for Fundora to bounce back from a shuddering seventh-round knockout loss to Brian Mendoza last April.
The Sporting News now provides odds and a final prediction for this clash of world-class super welterweights:
Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora betting odds
Per BetMGM, Tszyu is the -600 favourite while Fundora is the +400 underdog. The draw is +2000.
Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora trends
There are currently no betting trends available for this fight. When they become available, this section will be updated accordingly.
- Tszyu via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/ DQ: N/A
- Tszyu via decision: N/A
- Fundora via KO/TKO/Tech. Dec/ DQ: N/A
- Fundora decision: N/A
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Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora prediction, best bets
The odds are a reflection of just how good 27-year-old Tszyu is. The Australian star has developed into a highly efficient boxer-puncher and would be favored to defeat any contender in this weight class.
However, the consensus is that Fundora presents a tougher challenge than Thurman. At 6-5 with a heavyweight reach of 80 inches, the challenger will enjoy an eight-and-a-half-inch height advantage and a nine-and-a-half-inch reach advantage. Those numbers are enormous.
It just depends on how much you believe in Tszyu at this point and most of us believe in him highly. The champ has excellent ring IQ and he’s more than capable of cutting this opponent down to size.
Fundora also has the nasty habit of sacrificing his length by fighting inside, which is precisely where he was when Mendoza knocked him out cold.
A body attack and counterpunching will be the keys to victory for Tszyu, who I would expect to end matters at some point in the second half.
Sporting News prediction: Tszyu KO 7 (Per BetMGM: -600)
