Sebastian Fundora says is excited about fighting Terence Crawford next if he’s victorious in his fight against WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu on March 30th on Prime PPV in Las Vegas.
Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) is being brought in as a replacement for the injured Keith Thurman, and he will now face the unbeaten Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) in the main event for his WBO title and the vacant WBC 154-lb belt.
Crawford has used his WBO ‘Super Champion’ status as the welterweight champ to become mandatory for Tszyu. That’s likely the guy that Crawford wants due to the money that he can make from Australian PPV and fighting in a large stadium in that country.
It’s unclear what Crawford’s true rationale is for wanting to fight the winner of the Tszyu vs. Fundora fight besides, of course, money. Crawford wants to face Canelo Alvarez, but he can’t do that if he’s fighting at 154.
Crawford: The Ultimate Test
“Of course, he’s the #1 boxer in the world right now. If I could beat him where does that put me?” said Sebastian Fundora to Fighthype about Terence Crawford. “Hey, if the money is right, why not?”
There are bigger tests than Crawford out there for Fundora if he defeats Tszyu. Moving up in weight to 168 would provide him with tough challenges against Canelo, David Benavidez, and David Morrell. Those are tougher fights than Crawford.
Focus on Tszyu: A Two-Belt Opportunity
“Now, we’re the main event. it’s a real big deal. I’m fighting Tim Tszyu. Two belts on the line, the WBC and WBO. I’m very, very excited,” said Fundora.
There’s no word on whether Fundora had to agree to a rematch clause for the Tszyu fight, but it wouldn’t be a shock if there was one. Whether that would get in the way of Fundora fighting Crawford next is unknown.
“I know the mistake I made. I fix it, and now we’re getting what we deserve, a title fight,” said Fundora, talking about his knockout loss to Brian Mendoza last year in April. “Before that, we deserved a title fight as well, but now there’s two belts.
“I’m not happy Keith Thurman got injured, but through his problems, it’s a blessing for me. I’ll take advantage of it and I definitely am. I’m using my brain more now, and I’m ready to become world champion.
“The style of Mendoza wasn’t a problem for me. I made a mistake, and I paid for it. Styles, I’ll figure it out. Again, I’m using my brain and it’s going to be sharp for this fight.
“He’s a good pressure fighter and a good puncher as well. So, you have to be wary of that, but with those 10 ounces on, anybody can hit,” said Fundora.
