Paulie Malignaggi, the former boxing champion and analyst, recently shared his thoughts on Sebastian Fundora’s next opponent, advocating for a rematch between Fundora and Tim Tszyu over other high-profile fights. Malignaggi pointed to Tszyu stepping in for a bout with Fundora on Amazon Prime’s Premier Boxing Champions debut, taking the fight on short notice and for less pay, a decision heavily influenced by an unexpected injury Tszyu suffered, affecting the fight’s outcome. Malignaggi believes the unfinished drama between Tszyu and Fundora warrants a rematch, placing Fundora slightly below Tszyu, Crawford, and potentially Spence in skill.
He argues a Tszyu-Fundora rematch would draw more interest than potential fights with either Spence or Crawford, criticizing the boxing industry's tendency to bypass anticipated rematches. Malignaggi questions the strategic moves within the super welterweight division, particularly for Crawford, suggesting Spence’s challenge to Fundora may be more about future tactics than the immediate competition.
Concluding, Malignaggi strongly supports a Tszyu-Fundora rematch, citing the entertainment value of their first encounter and the narrative it created. He believes a Tszyu victory in a rematch could amplify the stakes for a future bout with Spence or Crawford, underscoring the lack of reasons against re-matching Tszyu and Fundora.
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