Tim Tszyu rejects “defense is shot” talk, points to Fundora style

Tszyu says size and angles caused problems, not decline, as he prepares for Denis Nurja in Wollongong

Tim Tszyu has rejected criticism of his defense following his loss to Sebastian Fundora, saying the problems came from size and angles rather than decline. He pointed to Fundora’s height and punch variation as the key factors.

Tszyu dismisses the idea that he is easier to hit, arguing that the challenge came from dealing with an unusually difficult opponent.

“My defense isn’t shot,” Tszyu said to Jai McAllister. “Sometimes, do I just stand there? Yeah. But sometimes I’m moving, and I catch certain shots. That’s fine. When you got a 6’6 guy coming like this, punches from every different angle, it’s hard.”

If his defense is exactly the same as it was during his rise, then the “A-level” fighters have essentially provided the blueprint on how to beat him: use height, volume, or raw power to overwhelm his high-guard and lack of head movement.

Tszyu pointed to Fundora’s height and unpredictable attack as the key factor, describing it as a style that creates problems even when punches are being returned. He said that former champion Keith Thurman experienced similar issues, reinforcing his view that the fight was more about matchup difficulty than any long-term flaw.

When the quality of the opponent drops, Tszyu looks like a world-beater again. When Tszyu fought Anthony Velazquez in a confidence-builder, he looked like his old pre-Fundora self, winning a 10-round shutout. Velazquez was a clear step down, someone meant to give Tszyu rounds without the threat of a knockout.

It proved he could still go the distance, but it didn’t prove his chin or defense could hold up against an elite puncher.

This weekend’s fight in Wollongong fits the exact same profile. Nurja is undefeated at 20-0, but he hasn’t faced anyone near the top 15. He is a safe, undefeated opponent, someone who looks good on paper but is unlikely to have the tools to exploit Tszyu’s defensive gaps.

By taking these B-level fights, Tszyu stays active and waits for a specific opportunity, like the rumored Errol Spence Jr. fight, where he might have a stylistic advantage or catch a big name at the right time.

Tszyu will continue to look spectacular against the Spencers, Velazquezes, and Nurjas of the world because his pressure and power are too much for B-level fighters.

The moment he steps back into the ring with an Ennis, a Murtazaliev, or a Fundora, those same defensive angles he complains about will likely result in the same outcome.