What’s Next For Tim Tszyu?

Tim Tszyu lost to Sebastian Fundora as the latter retained his WBC Junior Middleweight Title, raising questions over Tim’s next steps.

Tszyu suffered another loss after the first fight to take their rivalry to 0-2. The narrative heading into the rematch was that Tszyu’s cut from the first fight hindered his performance. Prior to the cut, Tszyu was ahead and looking comfortable. Fundora accused Tszyu of making excuses and the loss will only increase that sentiment.

Tszyu could target a rematch the IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev to avenge his other loss. Murtazaliev knocked out Tszyu, dropping him several times to give him the second loss of his career. Murtazaliev has not boxed since that win, which took place in October last year. Now, may be the best time to take that rematch.

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Tszyu may also pursue a fight with the WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. The latter is undefeated with a 23-0 record. 21 of his wins have come by way of knockout. He defeated Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov in his last two fights, respectively. The Bohachuk performance was not the best, as Ortiz had to get off the canvas to get win. There was also a perception by some that he had lost the fight. While his 0 is still intact, Ortiz has lost some of that aura that he once possessed.

Equally, there are calls for Tszyu to take a break from the sport. Shawn Porter has suggested that he needs time away. Tszyu is 30 years old, entering into what would be his peak years. Two years out of the sport, reduces his activity, while also hindering his ability to stay relevant. That is without the obvious risks of injury which can hamper any fighter. Porter had this to say.

“I think he’s better than a domestic fighter, but give him some international opponents. Get his rankings up again and then slowly rebuild. Maybe he can take another big shot in a couple of years. I don’t think Keith Thurman is there in two years. Terence Crawford isn’t there in two years. I’m not exactly sure who is there at 154,” Porter stated