Sebastian Fundora vows to knock out Tim Tszyu, wreck his career in Las Vegas title rematch
Fundora insists the bloody punishment Tszyu copped in their first bout will be nothing compared to the beating he cops in their world-title rematch at MGM Grand this Sunday (AEST).
And the cocky American has taunted his rival by rubbishing suggestions the Sydneysider had his vision badly impaired by a head cut in their first fight, insisting Tszyu could see him the whole time.
The warning from the 'Towering Inferno' came as American legend Crawford claimed Tszyu will be carrying mental demons from his savage beatdown against Bakhram Murtazaliev last October.
Bookmakers have installed Tszyu as the $1.62 favourite to exact revenge – despite the Sydneysider losing to Fundora on Las Vegas soil 16 months ago in a 12-round war at T-Mobile Arena.
Tszyu lost his WBO super welterweight strap in an agonising split-decision loss marred by his shocking head cut and there is a view he will dominate Fundora without his vision impaired by a fountain of blood.
But Fundora (22-1-1) rubbished suggestions the 'Soul Taker' (25-2) will win their return bout for the WBC world title, warning Tszyu to brace for a second consecutive stitch-up in Sin City.
'That's what people want to see in boxing, a bloody mess,' Fundora said ahead of Sunday's rematch.
'The only thing that was missing (in their first fight) was the knockout, but I'll be going for one this time, for sure.
'He is a warrior, a tough guy, very tough, but unfortunately in boxing, being the tough guy won't get you the win.
'I tell my dad the ones I hate are the good ones, and I hate this one.
'I am glad I can share the ring again with someone like Tim Tszyu.
'He is world class, a world champion, it's just the Towering Inferno is that much better.
'I want it more.'
Tszyu is in supreme shape heading into the rematch with the 30-year-old having little issue so far with his weight cut.
He is already two kilos lighter at this stage of his preparation than he was in his most recent bout in April against American Joey Spencer, who lasted just four rounds as Tszyu fought superbly to reignite his career.
But Fundora's fellow countryman Crawford says Tszyu's clinical disposal of Spencer will not fully erase the mental and physical scars of his crushing loss to Murtazaliev in his Orlando obliteration.
Tszyu was knocked down four times by unbeaten Russian monster Murtazaliev (23-0) in three rounds of brutality that raised questions over his ability to fight back from such a heavy defeat.
Crawford, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound pugilist in the sport today, was in talks to fight Tszyu last year before the Australian finalised a world-title shot with Fundora.
Nicknamed 'Bud', Crawford, unbeaten with 41 wins in a stellar 17-year pro career, says Tszyu is at long odds to get even with Fundora.
'In boxing anything is possible, but Fundora is the favourite for me,' Crawford told this masthead.
'Tim is a very good fighter and I wish him all the best, but that loss to Murtazaliev will take a lot out of him.
'He was too confident and at this level you can't take any opponent lightly, especially with a world title on the line.
'It was a heavy loss. There will be some doubts about whether he can come back from that, absolutely.'
Tszyu had just 11 days to prepare for Fundora last year after his initial opponent, Keith Thurman, tore his bicep entering the final stretch of preparations.
At 197cm, and with a 203cm reach, Fundora is the tallest current world champion on the planet, but Tszyu is ready to bring the Towering Inferno crashing down.
'I got to study him properly and do a proper camp this time,' Tszyu said.
'A true champion rises to the occasion.
'I've always been a guy to take on any challenge. I want the hardest challenges possible.
'It's exciting because I get to rewrite my mistakes.
'I want that title, I want that belt, I want redemption.'
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