Date: Saturday, March 30 (USA) / Sunday, March 31 (UK)
Start Time: USA: 9 PM ET / UK: 2 AM BST (Sunday)
Streaming Details: Prime Video
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
In the heated build-up to a monumental showdown in Las Vegas, Australian boxing ace Tim Tszyu and the dynamo in the super welterweight division, Sebastian Fundora, locked eyes for the first time this Thursday. This high-tension meet comes ahead of their clash for Tszyu’s WBO and the up-for-grabs WBC 154-pound world titles. The faceoff is the centerpiece of a PBC Pay-Per-View spectacle, beamed live on Prime Video, set to shake the foundations of T-Mobile Arena.
The pre-fight buzz also spotlighted WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Rolando Romero and Mexican powerhouse Isaac Cruz, set to tangle in a high-octane co-main event. Not to be overshadowed, WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy Lara and top-contender Michael Zerafa are slated to trade leather in a 12-round pay-per-view showcase that’s sure to draw eyes.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Split T Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
TIM TSZYU
“I had sparring for the new opponent come in on Monday and I was grateful for the great work they gave me. This fight is all about awkwardness when you have someone that tall. But nothing phases me. It is what it is and the show goes on.
“This is a unification now, so I’m very grateful for that. It’s a legacy-defining type of fight. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing and one day they’ll say that the Tszyu family is the best to ever step into this boxing world.
“I’ve met Fundora before and I respect him and how he fights. I just have to find the right shots. Every great boxer finds the way to win and we’ll find those keys on March 30.
“I talked to Brian Mendoza and he talked about how Fundora is awkward with his style and that he uses his height to his advantage in different ways.
“My message to the fans is definitely don’t blink during this one.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I’m just going to keep focusing on what I need to do. My original opponent Serhii Bohachuk has a lot of similarities to Tim Tszyu, so it’s no difference for me. If I stick to my plan, I’ll be successful.
“I was in control of the Mendoza fight, so I don’t want to change too much because of the result, and it doesn’t really matter to me what he did against Tszyu. I’m just going to keep focusing on my game.
“I’ve been training hard all camp. We only had a little bit to fix after our last fight, but my dad and my sister keep my mind straight. My sister Gabriela just became world champion, and now it’s my turn to go do the same.
“A win puts me back at number one in the division. That’s where I want to be. I have my eyes on all of the big names. This is the first stone in the Fundora legacy.
“Having the right preparation is very important of course. But I don’t think it’s really an advantage that I was preparing for someone similar to Tszyu already. It’s about what happens when you step into the ring. Of course I believe I’m going to win this fight, but not because of an advantage like that.
“I want to win this fight, become unified champion and keep going from there. We want to keep moving up.”
ROLANDO ROMERO
“I think I’m a different Rolly in every fight, I learn a lot every camp I’m in. Ismael Salas is a tremendous trainer who trained me before I went pro, so I feel like I’m back at home.
“Cruz takes punches because he has to, it’s because he has no other option in his game. This fight is gonna be an explosion and a Mexican slugfest. I’m gonna beat him at his own game.
“My strength and conditioning coach has had me do a lot of explosive work, and honestly I hate every single second of working with him, but it’s what I need. I already hit hard, and now it’s gonna be more of an explosion on fight night.
“Everyone is excited to see this fight. It doesn’t require too much talking because you’re gonna see it all in the ring on March 30.
ERISLANDY LARA
“I’ve had a great training camp for this fight. There are always new things you can learn when you put the time in at the gym. We’ve been really focused on our opponent and doing anything we can to win this fight. I feel spectacular and you’ll see it on March 30.
“I don’t pay attention to the rest of the middleweight division, I focus solely on me. It’s all about March 30 on pay-per-view. Tune in and let’s make history.
“I’ve stayed focused on everything that’s in my control and I’ve used my training camp to make sure there won’t be any rust when that bell rings.
“I don’t need to send a message to Michael Zerafa, he knows he has to be ready on March 30. We’ll be ready for him.”
MICHAEL ZERAFA
“I’m super excited to be here. I was a boy when I fought in the U.S. the first time and now I’m a man. You’re gonna see a different Michael Zerafa. I’m a lot better fighter and I’m ready to shock the world and make a statement.
“I’m better mentally, physically and really in every way. I’m more experienced and just a better fighter. I was 21 when I fought Peter Quillin, I fell short, but I do believe that now it’s my time.
“I have a lot of respect for Lara, but I truly believe this fight is not going the distance. Everyone I’ve fought has said I have ridiculous power and I will show it on March 30.
“Lara has been in there with the best. It’s just another day for him. But this is my life and I truly believe this is my time. I’m ready to make a statement. This is more than a fight for me. My sister Michelle is battling cancer right now and her dream is to watch me win a world title. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to prove that whether you’re fighting for your life or fighting for a title, you can make it happen.”