Veteran cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran claims botched technique cost Tim Tszyu, says fight should’ve been ‘No Contest’

Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran has shared his thoughts on the Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora fight, specifically noting that poor cut management ultimately led to Tszyu’s defeat.

On Saturday, March 30, 2024, Tszyu fought for both his WBO light middleweight title and the vacant WBC light middleweight title in a highly anticipated boxing match against ‘The Towering Inferno.’ However, in round two of their 12-round bout, ‘The Soul Taker’ sustained a significant cut on his head due to an accidental elbow from Fundora.

Despite Tszyu’s acknowledgement that the cut had a negative impact on his vision, Fundora ultimately claimed a split decision victory and secured the WBO and WBC light middleweight titles.

Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran recently tweeted, expressing his belief that Tim Tszyu’s cutman did not properly handle the cut. The highly respected 72-year-old cutman stated that ‘The Soul Taker’s’ team should have stopped the fight before round five and called for the bout to be declared an NC (No Contest).

Additionally, the cutman mentioned the fight between Seniesa Estrada and Yokasta Valle on March 29, 2024, where a cut allegedly occurred due to a headbutt. The cut was over the right eye of Valle, a Nicaraguan-born Costa Rican, and Duran believes it was mishandled. Despite this, Estrada was able to secure a unanimous decision victory and claim the title of undisputed minimumweight champion.

Emphasizing the importance of a skilled cutman in a fighter’s corner, Duran insinuated that Tszyu had suffered a cut to one of his ‘supratrochlear veins’. This type of injury can be difficult to manage and control bleeding in the midst of a fight, as pointed out by ‘Stitch’.

“I’ve been getting all kinds of messages and just finished doing an interview regarding the cut on Tim Tszyu. Unfortunately, you know that big vein that we have right there, if you pop it, you’re not gonna stop it. And he got the cut in the same vein. But it’s important to have a good corner with you because they should’ve stopped it before they started the fifth round. Would’ve been a ‘No Contest.’”

He went on to say:

“They would’ve had a chance for a rematch; and then protect him. I felt sorry for him. I felt bad that all the techniques that were being used on him were not the proper techniques on how to handle a cut. So, I wish Tim Tszyu the best.”

Take a look at Duran’s remarks down below:

Tim Tszyu reflects on loss to Sebastian Fundora and looks towards future opportunities

Despite calls for an immediate rematch, Tim Tszyu may not be granted one against Sebastian Fundora, as ‘The Towering Inferno’ remains uncertain if it will happen. While Fundora enjoys the limelight and has potential bouts against Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. in his future, Tszyu focuses on rebuilding.

Following their showdown in the ring, ‘The Soul Taker’ took to Instagram to share a photograph, emphasizing his determination despite the loss. In his post, Tszyu vowed to make a comeback, stating the following in his statement:

“You win some, You lose some. It’s how you bounce back. Appreciate all the love worldwide.”