Twist as rival agent reveals Tszyu rematch intent

Tim Tszyu will get first crack at unified super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora, the rival's agent has confirmed.

The Australian fighter lost his WBO strap in a controversial split decision loss in Las Vegas on Sunday, having suffered a deep cut from an accidental elbow early in the bout.

Fundora claimed Tszyu's WBO belt as well as the vacant WBC strap, unifying the divison.

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The pair had a rematch agreement in place but doubt was cast over Fundora's intentions after an interaction with Errol Spence Jr in the ring following the fight.

But Fundora's agent has now clarified they will be honouring the rematch clause and heading Down Under to battle Tszyu again.

"We were all so eagre to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally," Sampson Lewkowicz said on Tuesday morning.

"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."

Many onlookers thought the ringside doctor should have called the fight off in the second round given the gash on Tszyu's head was bleeding so profusely he was struggling to see his opponent.

But the pair battled on for the full 12 rounds and while one judge awarded the fight to Tszyu, the other two scored in favour of Fundora.

It was the first loss in Tszyu's 25-fight career, and most would agree he would have almost certainly won the fight if not for the blood in his eyes and loss of blood.

The super welterweight division is stacked and a win over Fundora would have put Tszyu on a path to either Spence Jr or Terence Crawford.

Instead he will host Fundora in Australia – likely later this year – for both the belts.

He started a short-priced favourite in Sunday's contest and would no doubt be heavily backed to win the second bout given how dominant he looked in the first round, before the cut.