Tim Tszyu Favored Over Sebastian Fundora in Light Middleweight Title Fight

Quinn Allen
By , Updated on: Mar 20, 2024 08:00 PM
Tim Tszyu Favored Over Sebastian Fundora in Light Middleweight Title Fight
  • What: Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora
  • Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
  • When: Saturday, March 30th, 8 PM ET

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be the scene next Saturday when Aussie Tim Tszyu looks to defend his WBO light middleweight title against Sebastian Fundora, who stepped up after Keith Thurman suffered an injury. This fight is expected to get started around 8 PM ET. The WBC light middleweight title is up for grabs here. Tszyu last stepped in the ring in October, winning via unanimous decision against Brian Mendoza. That was his first time defending the WBO belt. As for Fundora, he lost the WBC belt last April to Mendoza and will definitely be hungry to bounce back here after nearly a year off. This should be an entertaining bout in the Sin City. Below, find the Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora picks.

Before we get into the odds and predictions for this fight, check out the best boxing betting sites and where you can find our sportsbook reviews.

Tszyu vs Fundora Odds

FighterBetOnlineBovadaBetUS
Tim Tszyu-500-550-500
Sebastian Fundora+350+355+350

Tszyu is a big favorite here with -500 odds to win outright. Fundora returns as a +350 underdog. These two have never fought before. There is a notable height difference though, with Tszyu standing at 5 foot 9 while Fundora is 6 foot 5. We'll see if that plays a part.

Can Tszyu Get it Done?

It was only a few days ago when Tszyu found out he'd be fighting Fundora instead of Thurman. The Australian has been dominant in his career to this point, compiling a perfect 24-0 record including 17 knockouts. He went 33-1 as an amateur before turning pro back in 2016 at the age of 22. Basically every single one of his fights has been on Australian soil except for a unanimous decision victory against Terrell Gausha in 2022 in Minneapolis. Therefore this will be Tszyu's first bout under the bright lights in Las Vegas.

This is a massive fight for Tszyu because he has his eyes on Errol Spence Jr or Terence Crawford next and that won't happen unless he beats Fundora. In Tszyu's last bout against Mendoza, he landed numerous highlight-reel shots that ultimately went his way in the final ruling. Tszyu landed 38% of his power punches compared to 31% for Mendoza and battered and bruised his opponent in the 10th and 11th rounds which helped him grab the win. The fifth round was easily the most lopsided though as the Aussie hit Mendoza with several large blows.

It was a very consistent performance from Tszyu, who didn't take the pressure off for one second. He is a relentless fighter with the ability to knock out his opponents or simply outbox them for round after round. While Thurman was surely going to be a more difficult opponent, Tszyu won't be taking Fundora for granted especially since he's inches taller than him. A knockout may not be in the cards here, but Tszyu is undoubtedly a deserving favorite.

Tough Bout For Fundora

Fundora will have a tall task ahead of him and after losing to Mendoza, a guy who Tszyu beat, all odds will be against him. But, that fight was a bit deceiving. Fundora was winning every single round before Mendoza knocked him out. Something is working in his favor against Tszyu, though. He was preparing for weeks for Thurman, a guy who is closer to his size. Now, Tszyu is faced with a 6 foot 5 southpaw who hits hard and presents an awkward challenge.

Fundora, a Florida native, has a 20-1-1 record in his career with 13 knockouts. The loss to Mendoza was his first after an impressive unbeaten streak that spanned over six years. Some believe that Fundora could actually be a more difficult fight for Tszyu than Thurman because of the latter's prolonged absence from the sport. That remains to be seen, but the 26-year-old will surely be motivated to pull off the upset and in the process, potentially secure two belts in the light middleweight division.

He had the WBC light middleweight belt for a short period in 2022, winning it against Erickson Lubin and then retaining it versus Carlos Ocampo. But, he lost it after being put on the canvas by Mendoza.

Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora Picks

Although I think Fundora will surprise and put up a respectable fight against Tszyu, I do believe the Aussie will come out victorious. I'm going to be bold and say it goes the distance, though.

Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora To go the distance
+230
Bovada

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Meet the author

Quinn Allen

Quinn Allen leverages his broadcast journalism degree and passion for sports in his betting previews and analysis. Based in Kelowna, Canada, he has emerged as an expert voice with picks featured on OSB, MTS, SBD, and as a ClutchPoints editor. With a lifelong fandom of...

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