SEBASTIAN Fundora has been stripped of his WBO world super-welterweight title, leaving him with just the WBC strap ahead of his rematch with Tim Tszyu.
‘The Towering Inferno’ and his team had entered negotiations for a clash with unbeaten contender Xander Zayas, his WBO mandatory challenger.
However, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced earlier today that, as his second encounter with Tszyu, 25-2 (18 KOs), appears to be over the line, the 27-year-old will no longer represent his sanctioning body.
As a result, Zayas, 21-0 (13 KOs), is likely to face Jorge Perez – the organisation’s second-ranked contender – for the vacant title, representing a far more winnable fight for the promising but unproven talent.
While Perez pulled off a sizable upset to outpoint Charles Conwell last month, the Mexican, it could be said, was largely flattered by what proved to be a lacklustre performance from his opponent.
Zayas, on the other hand, has established himself as a rising star at 154lbs, with a lack of experience seemingly representing the 22-year-old’s only shortcoming.
But either way, Perez should make for a relatively soft introduction to world level when compared to Fundora, 22-1-1 (14 KOs), who many consider to be the division’s top dog.
The American claimed his titles last year with a split decision victory over Tszyu who, from the second round, was forced to contend with a horrific cut on his head.
Yet now, with Premier Boxing Champions, Fundora’s co-promoter, teasing their rematch on social media, it would seem that the pair will get the chance to settle their score before long.
