Kosport Magazine: Crawford Unlikely Next Opponent for Fundora, Says Hearn
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that it’s unlikely WBC mandatory Terence Crawford will be the next opponent for WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. This news comes as a disappointment to many fans who were hoping to see the two top fighters face off in the ring.
Rematch with Tszyu or Spence Fight More Likely
Hearn explains that Crawford’s lack of affiliation with PBC is a major factor in this decision. Instead, Fundora may face either Errol Spence, another PBC fighter, or a rematch with former WBO 154-lb champion Tim Tszyu, whom he defeated in a thrilling match last Saturday night.
However, there is some confusion surrounding a potential rematch with Tszyu. While Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, claims there is a verbal rematch clause, Hearn believes this means nothing without specific terms and conditions.
But Hearn also acknowledges that Lewkowicz now has a lot of bargaining power, thanks to Fundora’s recent victory and the potential for a big payday in Australia. This could lead to a rematch with Tszyu or a fight against Spence, both of which would bring in significant revenue.
Rematch Clause Confusion
Speaking to Kosport Magazine, Hearn says, “Firstly, is there a rematch clause? Tszyu’s team says there is. Sampson [Lewkowicz] says there’s a verbal one. I can’t believe you’d enter a fight twelve days out to save a show as a champion [Tszyu] and not have a rematch clause. So, I’m presuming they have one. If they don’t, regardless of what Sampson says, a verbal contract means absolutely nothing.”
Lewkowicz’s Bargaining Power
Hearn goes on to explain that Lewkowicz could demand a large sum of money from Tszyu for a rematch, which could ultimately determine whether or not the fight happens. And with the potential for a big payday in Australia, it’s clear that Lewkowicz holds a lot of power in this situation.
“So, if I’m Sampson now, Sampson is very experienced; you’re getting your boy [Fundora] a massive payday because I’m not saying he got lucky. But with the cut, he hit the jackpot. So, now, you are getting the biggest payday. There’s money in Australia to do that rematch,” says Hearn.
Hearn’s Analysis
As for Crawford, Hearn believes that the PBC will not make the fight happen unless they can sign him to their roster. This leaves Fundora with limited options, and Hearn predicts that he will either face Tszyu or Spence in his next fight.
But Hearn also points out that Fundora’s recent injury, a broken nose, will keep him out of the ring for six to eight months. This could potentially open up opportunities for other fighters, such as Madrimov, to step in and face Tszyu or Spence instead.
Ultimately, Hearn believes that the decision will come down to where the most money can be made. And with the potential for a lucrative rematch in Australia, it’s clear that Fundora’s team will be considering all options before making a decision.
Kosport Magazine: Summary
In a recent interview with Kosport Magazine, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that WBC mandatory Terence Crawford is unlikely to be the next opponent for WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. Instead, Fundora may face a rematch with Tim Tszyu or a fight against Errol Spence, both of which would bring in significant revenue. However, there is some confusion surrounding a potential rematch with Tszyu, and Hearn believes that Fundora’s promoter now holds a lot of bargaining power. Ultimately, the decision will come down to where the most money can be made, and it’s clear that Fundora’s team will be considering all options before making a decision.