In the aftermath of Sebastian Fundora claiming two super welterweight world titles, Errol Spence Jr. entered the ring in a bid to jump the line.
Fundora had shocked Tim Tszyu moments earlier to win the WBC and WBO championships. Tszyu was in possession of the WBO version while the WBC crown was vacant.
Two mandatories are since due for Fundora, who beamed with pride after the victory.
“We’ve been praying for this moment for a long time. I’m just happy that Tim Tszyu gave me the opportunity, and the opportunity made my dream come true,” said Fundora.
“I didn’t want to break my nose today, but this is my life, and this is boxing. But I just had to be smart. I used my brain. I hope you saw me use my boxing skills tonight.
“Tszyu is a world champion for a reason. It’s an honor to share the ring and make history with him.”
Tszyu said: “I’m a throwback fighter. Whatever circumstances come up, I’ll keep going. But all credit belongs to the man who won tonight. These things happen. My momentum was rolling in the first two rounds, and then boom, you’re blinded completely. This is boxing. It’s part of the sport.
“I show up no matter what and always bring the fight. There are no excuses. I’ll fight whoever, whenever. If you want a good scrap, you know who to call.”
After the fight, the former pound-for-pound contender and unified champion Spence Jr. entered the ring to express his interest in a matchup with Fundora, which the newly crowned champion quickly welcomed.
“Errol is one of the pound-for-pound greats. So fighting him and getting a win would be history for me,” claimed Fundora.
“It’s time to get it on,” said Spence. “He’s got the big dog now. It’s my first time seeing him in person. He’s got good height, but we’ll break him down.”
Terence Crawford, who positioned himself as the WBO mandatory to Serhii Bohachuck, the WBC stipulation, ruled out Spence overtaking him.
“Sorry buddy, you gotta wait in line, sir,” said Crawford. He added in reference to Spence’s inactivity weight: “You look like a linebacker, my guy!”
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