Sebastian Fundora has caused a surprise as he chose the path of profit over achievement after Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), Fundora’s promoter whatever the PBC is supposed to represent nowadays, announced he would be rematching Tim Tszyu later this year. The two had previously fought last year in a super welterweight where two world titles had been on the line; ending with Fundora claiming both the WBC and WBO 154-pound titles following a unanimous decision win where Tszyu notably had to endure a gruesome and clearly-debilitating cut on his forehead.

Though no fight date has yet been confirmed, the initial reports suggested only Sebastian Fundora’s (22-1-1, 14 KO’s) WBC super welterweight (154 lbs) titles would be on the line against Tim Tszyu (25-2, 18 KO’s). The WBO would later confirm this, citing Fundora’s choice to face Tszyu rather than mandatory opponent Xander Zayas (21-0, 13 KO’s) as the reason for their decision.

“Upon Crawford’s formal withdrawal from the division on March 14, 2025, and relinquishment of his interim championship rights, the Committee designated WBO No. 1–rated contender, Mr. Xander Zayas, as the new Mandatory Challenger in accordance with the WBO Regulations and communicated the obligation to Mr.
Fundora to defend his title against Zayas without any intervening bout or further delay,” The WBO’s official letter to the relevant parties reads.

“WHEREAS, despite the Committee’s clear and repeated instructions, and despite Team Fundora’s express written and verbal acknowledgment of the mandated obligation, an official public announcement was made by Fundora’s promotional entity, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), on April 30, 2025, confirming Fundora’s next bout to be a rematch with Tim Tszyu, without prior consultation, submission, or approval from this Committee and in contravention of the mandatory defense order.

“After exhaustive review and deliberation, the Committee finds that Mr. Sebastian Fundora is hereby STRIPPED of his WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion status, effective immediately. The WBO Championship Committee shall immediately convene to determine the next available and eligible contenders to contest for the vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship title in accordance with the Regulations.“

In summary, Fundora had previously been ordered to face Xander Zayas, his designated mandatory opponent after Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KO’s) relinquished his WBO interim title, allowing Zayas to claim it instead. This set up a mandatory match between Fundora and Zayas, but this bout collapsed after Fundora’s match with Tim Tszyu was announced on April 30.

Having defied a direct order to face Zayas, the WBO had little choice but to strip Fundora of his WBO title which will now be available for Zayas to win. He will be facing the #2-rated contender on the WBO’s 154 lbs rankings, Mexican fighter Jorge Garcia Perez (33-4, 26 KO’s), on July 26th, giving two of the highest-rated fighters the opportunity to become world champion as the vacant WBO belt has been confirmed to be up for grabs during their July 26th fight.

Fundora’s WBC title will still be on the line once he faces Tim Tszyu, with their title bout expected to occur later this year.