“Not a Loser”: Teddy Atlas Lauds Tszyu’s Resilience, Sees Championship Future Despite Loss!
In the aftermath of Tim Tszyu’s unexpected defeat in his title bout against Sebastian Fundora, the boxing world witnessed a display of sportsmanship and humility that transcended the realm of victory and defeat. Legendary boxing coach Teddy Atlas, renowned for his insightful commentary and astute observations, was among those deeply moved by Tszyu’s dignified response to adversity.
During a recent episode of his podcast, ‘THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas,’ Atlas commended Tszyu for his exemplary conduct both inside and outside the ring. Reflecting on the Australian fighter’s defeat, Atlas emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and class, qualities he believes Tszyu exemplified in abundance.
The 67-year-old trainer noted, “It’s so seldom you see it, that it was refreshing, that it reminded me: that’s what sportsmanship is. That’s what class is. That’s what a champion is. He gets up there and he says, ‘Fundora was a better man. I take my hat off to him. I congratulate him. He did a great job, and you know I’ll be back’. You talk about the humanity; you talk about the honesty. You talk about the sheer class of a man.”
Describing Tszyu’s demeanor following the loss as “refreshing” and “humbling,” Atlas lauded the fighter’s gracious acceptance of defeat and his heartfelt congratulations to Fundora. In Atlas’s eyes, Tszyu’s conduct epitomized the essence of true championship, showcasing resilience, humility, and integrity in the face of disappointment.
While acknowledging Fundora’s victory as well-deserved, Atlas refrained from labeling Tszyu as a “loser,” preferring instead to highlight the fighter’s remarkable spirit and character. Despite the setback, Atlas expressed confidence in Tszyu’s ability to bounce back and reclaim his status as a champion.
He added, “You know, you saw him when he’s won, and now you see him when he’s lost and he was magnificent. I won’t even call him a loser. I won’t even use that word. I’ll say Fundora won, and he deserved the win. I’m not gonna stand here and say Tszyu was a loser.”
Tszyu’s own response to the defeat echoed Atlas’s sentiments, as he took to social media with a message of resilience and gratitude for the support he received from fans worldwide. With a smile on his face and determination in his heart, Tszyu vowed to bounce back stronger than ever, a sentiment shared by Atlas and boxing enthusiasts alike.
Looking ahead, the path for Tim Tszyu remains uncertain, with a rematch against Fundora appearing unlikely due to the latter’s impending high-profile defense against Terence Crawford. However, Atlas remains optimistic about Tszyu’s future prospects, envisioning potential matchups with top contenders such as Errol Spence Jr.
As the boxing world continues to rally behind Tim Tszyu in the wake of his defeat, one thing remains clear: win or lose, Tszyu’s indomitable spirit and unwavering sportsmanship have earned him the admiration and respect of fans and pundits alike.
