The decision by Premier Boxing Champions to keep the upcoming card featuring Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora on pay-per-view (PPV) has been met with criticism from fans. The sticker shock of $75 for the event has led many to question the value of the fight. The absence of Keith Thurman, who was originally slated to face Tszyu, has raised concerns about the overall quality of the matchup and the potential for the event to fall flat.
Thurman’s Replacement and Fans’ Reaction
With Thurman out due to a biceps injury, Sebastian Fundora has been tapped as his replacement to take on Tszyu in the main event. Fundora, a lanky 6’5 1/2″ boxer, is coming off a knockout loss against Brian Mendoza. This decision has left fans wondering about the wisdom of using Fundora, who may not be at his peak after the recent defeat.
The initial choice of Thurman as Tszyu’s opponent was already controversial due to Thurman’s age, inactivity, and lack of experience in the junior middleweight division. Thurman’s status as a semi-star and his limited appeal to younger fans further called into question the viability of the matchup. The substitution of Fundora, while offering some familiarity to fans, raises concerns about his readiness to face a powerful puncher like Tszyu without a tune-up fight.
With the landscape of boxing constantly evolving, there is a call for more creative matchmaking from promoters like PBC. The suggestion of alternative opponents such as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or a middleweight contender could have injected more excitement and intrigue into the event. Fundora’s recent knockout loss adds an element of risk to his inclusion as a late replacement, prompting questions about his ability to perform at the highest level.
The decision to replace Keith Thurman with Sebastian Fundora in the upcoming PPV headliner featuring Tim Tszyu has sparked debate and skepticism among boxing fans. The choice to keep the event on pay-per-view at a substantial price point, coupled with concerns about the quality of the matchup and the readiness of the replacement fighter, has left many questioning the overall appeal of the event. As the fight approaches, it remains to be seen how well the new pairing will resonate with audiences and whether it will deliver the level of excitement and entertainment expected from a PPV event.