‘Bitterly disappointed’:Tim Tszyu bout cancelled due to head cut

Tim Tszyu’s anticipated fight against undefeated knockout specialist Vergil Ortiz has been cancelled.

Tszyu was poised to take on Ortiz for the WBA super-welterweight interim world title at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on August 4 (AEST). It was supposed to mark the Australian’s return to the ring after his defeat to Sebastian Fundora in March,the first loss of his career.

Tim Tszyu copped a horrific head cut against Sebastian Fundora in March.

Tim Tszyu copped a horrific head cut against Sebastian Fundora in March.Getty

However,the showdown will no longer go ahead after medicos said Tszyu required more time to recover from the head wound he suffered against Fundora.

“We are bitterly disappointed with the setback and Tim is extremely frustrated after a great pre-camp with Kostya[Tszyu],” No Limit CEO George Rose said.

“He showed everyone that he’ll fight through anything against Fundora,but this decision was taken out of his hands,to be honest. Ultimately,it was his body and medical professionals telling him he wasn’t ready yet.”

Tszyu was meant to face Ortiz,who has won all 20 of his previous fights by knockout,on a huge card that was to include Terence Crawford taking on WBA champion Israil Madrimov. The winner is expected to fight Fundora.

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Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.

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