World Boxing Organization super-welterweight champion Tim Tszyu is currently one of the sport's most electric fighters, and he defends his WBO title (pending approval) this week when he takes on Sebastian Fundora at T-Mobile Arena on March 30.
The second-generation professional boxer from Australia made camp in Las Vegas to train before the fight, which is also for the vacant WBC 154-pound world title. Originally, Tszuy was scheduled to fight Keith Thurman, but the fighter suffered a biceps injury and had to withdraw. Fundora had already been training to compete in the pay-per-view opener before being moved up to the main event.
Tszyu’s singular focus is on climbing the ranks and getting the most high-profile fights he can, but family and his homeland are motivating pride factors. His father is former undisputed light-welterweight champion and International Boxing Fall of Fame inductee Kostya Tszyu, who passed his gifts for speed and accuracy onto his son. Australia has been historically underrepresented in professional boxing. Tszyu takes a proactive path to fights, in this case setting up camp in Nevada well in advance to get used to the climate and food.
The evening’s co-main event is buzzworthy in its own right. Rolando “Rolly” Romero defends his WBA super-lightweight title against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and has taunted his challenger as having all bark and no bite. Cruz intends to silence Romero in a clash that, along with Tszyu vs. Fundora, will be the debut of professional boxing on Amazon Prime after a long broadcast history on Showtime.
The new association could mark the beginning of a new era in boxing with figures such as Tszyu and Romero being its most famous faces. The boxing ring, however, will always be best viewed in a live setting.
T-Mobile Arena. 2 p.m. March 30, prices vary. axs.com
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