Light Middleweight division in chaos after suspensions

One of the best, and certainly bloodiest fights that we have seen in recent days was the Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora bout on March 30. What could have been a damp squib after Keith Thurman pulled out of the fight was actually made better.

Both fighters suffered bloody injuries, Tim Tszyu a deep gash on his head after an accidental elbow in the second round and Sebastian Fundora had his nose broken in the same round. It was a foregone conclusion that there would be some form of suspension on medical grounds set in place. But the Nevada State Athletic Commission has gone further than anyone imagined.

Tim Tszyu received a medical suspension until May 15th, allowing for his ten stitches to have time to heal. But the even bigger news is that Sebastian Fundora is suspended until September 27.

This has thrown the entire division into chaos.

Prior to the fight, Tszyu was expected to retain his WBO and WBC junior middleweight belts, clearing a path for a superfight with Terence Crawford. All of that evaporated in the bloodbath which saw Fundora strip the titles off the Australian.

Immediately, both Crawford and Errol Spence demanded that they be given a shot at Fundora and his belts. Normally, the rematch clauses in play would be honored prior to an organization ordering a fight. HOwever, the extended delay of Fundora’s suspension means that the WBO has ordered his camp to begin negotiations with Crawford within 180 days, effectively cutting Tim Tszyu out.

To muddy the waters still, Fundora’s camp have said that they do not want to step into the ring until November. The indications from the WBO is that they are unwilling to wait that long, and could well strip the new champ of his belt.

If that does indeed happen, it will be a free for all in the Light Middleweight division.

Fundora’s agent Sampson Lewkowicz confirmed that there was actually not a written rematch clause but that a verbal agreement had been made.

“We were all so eager to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally,” Lewkowicz said.

“There wasn’t enough time. But I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honour the agreement. My word is always equal to a signed contract.

“Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are.”

Asked what would happen if timeframes couldn’t be made, Lewkowicz said, “If he doesn’t take the rematch, we will take the WBO mandatory or Spence, whatever the WBO says, but the first priority is the rematch with Tim Tszyu.”

If the WBO insists that Fundora fight Crawford this year, it could be that the rematch that Tim Tszyu deserves will be for nothing more than honor.