'It's been that much better': Tim Tszyu's reveal ahead of 'world-class' Sebastian Fundora rematch
Tim Tszyu admits his preparation to face Sebastian Fundora has been "much better" compared to the first time the two met for world title gold.
The superstar Australian suffered his first professional defeat last year against the towering Fundora, who stepped in on late notice and won a bloody 12-round war.
Tszyu has since lost to Bakhram Murtazaliev in devastating fashion, before returning to the winner's circle with a hard-fought victory over Joey Spencer in April.
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Now, the 30-year-old is eyeing off the WBC super-welterweight title in Las Vegas and believes things are more in his favour this time around.
Tim Tszyu in training before his world title fight No Limit Boxing
"It's been much better preparation for Fundora this time," he said on Thursday (AEST).
"I want that green belt and I want to give this fight to the fans. It's tunnel-vision right now. I can't wait for the bell to ring. I'm bringing that belt back home."
Tszyu (25-2) also admitted that despite some weight-cutting issues from his previous bout against Spencer earlier this year, he was "on track" to tip the scales at the required 69.9kg the day before he steps in to challenge Fundora.
"We're good," he told Main Event Australia.
"We're a couple of kilos out, which is on track to where I want to be. It's been that much better, I'm not killing myself, I'm eating and I'm in a good position.
"I love this feeling of the atmosphere and the build-up ... being in a mega fight. This is a really big fight, it's a top world-class fight and everyone appreciates it."
Tim Tszyu No Limit Boxing
Fundora has registered one win since his all-time classic against Tszyu, but will enter this weekend's clash as the underdog according to the bookmakers.
The 27-year-old Florida native remained coy on his game plan for the Tszyu rematch.
"We're blood brothers now - round 13 starts on Saturday," he told Main Event.
"There's certain things that we worked on ... but those things you are gonna have to tune in."
The second bout between Tszyu and Fundora will act as the co-main event in Sin City, with the legendary Manny Pacquiao returning against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on Sunday afternoon (AEST).
While his focus is solely on defeating Barrios, the eight-division world champ did urge boxing fans to tune in for Tszyu's showdown with Fundora.
Manny Pacquiao will come out of retirement this weekend Getty
"That's a good fight," Pacquiao said.
"The fans should watch the fight, it's gonna be a great and tremendous fight."
Barrios was quizzed on his thoughts about the co-main during open workouts and admitted he was giving the edge to Tszyu in the rematch.
"That's good, he knows something ... he ain't dumb," the Aussie told Main Event when informed about the prediction from Barrios.
