Despite coming off a loss, it seems as though Tim Tszyu has managed to line up a big fight for himself this summer on a huge card against Vergil Ortiz, although there is one big condition.
He was originally scheduled to fight against former welterweight world champion Keith Thurman in what was set to be the first-ever boxing event streamed live on Amazon Prime.
Unfortunately, Thurman suffered a bicep injury later in the day so had to step aside, and it was the rather less heralded Fundora who stepped up.
It was a bloody affair that ensued as Tszyu – the son of Hall of Fame boxer Kostya Tszyu – struggled to adjust to the towering 6-foot-6 Fundora on just 11 days’ notice.
He ended up losing the fight on a split decision, the first of his career, and rather than wait around for a rematch or build with a more winnable fight in his comeback, it is rumoured that he is set to come back in the USA in a battle against Ortiz, ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight, who currently has a 100% KO ratio.
According to ESPN, this fight is set to take place on the recently teased card that will feature plenty of big names including a headline bout for Terence Crawford versus Israil Madrimov and the likes of Issac Cruz versus Jose Valenzuela and Andy Ruiz versus Jarrell Miller.
Before entering the highly anticipated showdown against Tszyu, however, Ortiz must first overcome the significant challenge presented by underdog Thomas Dulorme this Saturday.
The bout will serve as the co-feature on a card headlined by a junior welterweight clash between Jose Ramirez and Rances Barthelemy in Fresno, California.
The Tszyu-Ortiz matchup promises to deliver thrilling action and could well be one of the most exciting bouts so far this year. This 154-pound showdown brings together two of the sport’s most entertaining fighters.
Ortiz only debuted at 154 pounds in January with a first-round knockout win over Fredrick Lawson having previously pulled out of three fights due to health issues related to rhabdomyolysis.
This condition occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream but Ortiz now hopes he is over it.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.