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via Getty

via Getty

Initially, Keith Thurman was supposed to face Tim Tszyu in T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. It would have been his blockbuster return to the sport after one year of inactivity since his win over Mario Barrios in February 2022. However, ‘Onetime’ Thurman had to pull out of the fight due to a biceps injury during his training camp. 

So, Sebastian Fundora subbed in to replace Thurman and took on ‘The Soul Taker’ last night for the vacant WBC and Tszyu’s WBO super welterweight titles. Following 12 rounds of bloody battle, Fundora surprisingly emerged victorious via split decision. So, Keith Thurman hopped on social media today to share a heartfelt message for Tszyu. 

Keith Thurman suggests Tim Tszyu should push for a rematch

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Turning to his Instagram account, Thurman shared a video claiming, “Congratulations to all the winners from Erislandy Lara, Isaac Cruz, the ‘Pit Bull,’ to the ‘Towering Inferno’ and you know shout out to Tim Tszyu.” He said he was supposed to fight Tszyu but thanked him for letting the show continue by fighting Fundora. 

While defending Tszyu’s loss, Thurman stated, “It was ‘styles makes fights.’ It was a challenging awkward style for you. That reach and really just the blood bath that you had to endure, you showed grit. You showed how tough you were.” Thurman went as far as to assert that Tszyu proved he was a world-class fighter. However, Thurman encouraged Tsayu to pursue a rematch against Fundora.

Also Read: “No Bud?”: Fans React as Errol Spence Jr. Demands Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora Winner For Comeback

“I push for the rematch if I [were] you. You were an undefeated champion and we would like to see that fight without the blood in your face,” said Thurman. Meanwhile, Tszyu claimed that he thought the fight would be stopped.

Tszyu was working on instinct against Sebastian Fundora

Soon after the fight began, the Australian boxing sensation was doing great and seemed ahead in the first two rounds. However, Tszyu’s problem began when he ran into an elbow from Fundora. Blood started pouring out and covered his entire face. Speaking to Main Event’s Ben Damon, Tszyu claimed, “I [thought], ‘No way they can continue.’”

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Tszyu added, “I haven’t really seen the replay yet so I’m curious to see how big it actually was and how much because there was a lot of blood.” However, when the reporter questioned whether he thought the fight needed to be stopped, Tszyu suggested, “Nah, Nah… He was catching me with a few jabs and a few crosses, but nothing was phasing me.” 

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Even though they exchanged some fiery words before their fight that didn’t happen, Keith Thurman shared some kind words for Tim Tszyu, who just lost his first fight alongside his title. As Thurman suggested, ‘The Soul Taker’ can go after a rematch. However, whether he does that is yet to be seen. What did you think about the fight? 

Read More: “He Ain’t No Chump”: CEO Leonard Ellerbe Warns Tim Tszyu About Sebastian Fundora Amid Potential Terence Crawford Fight Talks