Itauma And Fundora Close Out March With Dominating Performances

 The final weekend of March 2026 in the Boxing world was highlighted by two events on March 28th taking place in Manchester, England and Las Vegas, NV respectively. First, it was fast-rising Heavyweight Moses Itauma, who looked for his fourteenth victory in as many fights in his professional career as he faced veteran contender Jermaine Franklin at the Co-op Arena in Manchester, England.

Coming off of a destructive first round knockout of longtime Heavyweight contender and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte last August in Saudi Arabia, some thought this bout against a durable and always determined opponent in Jermaine Franklin, could have provided a test for the twenty-one year old “Knockout Artist" Itauma. Despite the test some were expecting, which was based on significant evidence in that Franklin had not been stopped in his career and had gone the distance with both Whyte and former two-time World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, Itauma would provide another example as to why he has been given that label.

From the opening bell, Itauma put Franklin on the defensive. In all truth and honestly with the reader, this observer was not surprised in Itauma’s approach here as I stated in previewing this fight, that it was logical to assume that Franklin would have to weather an early storm if he were to extend him into the middle and late rounds of the fight.

What I frankly did not expect was how Itauma more or less nullified Franklin's offensive output before he could have a chance to find a rhythm, albeit while largely on the defensive. In round three Itauma dropped Franklin for the first time in his career with a perfectly timed left hook to the jaw. Itauma had succeeded in doing something that neither Dillian Whyte or Anthony Joshua were able to accomplish in sending Jermaine Franklin down to the canvas, but he was not done.

Although Franklin did manage to land a few hard shots that did seem to land flush, the tempo of the combat remained the same. Itauma landing harder blows and keeping Franklin in a defensive state. This was until round five when Itauma produced another devastating knockout to go on his resume. Connecting with a flush right uppercut that froze Franklin on his feet, followed by another flush left hand to the jaw that sent Franklin down hard on the canvas. The bout was stopped by Referee Steve Gray. 

With now twelve knockouts in fourteen career bouts, Moses Itauma continues to seemingly be on the fast track towards a world title opportunity. Before discussing what may follow, however, the time has come to discuss the second bout that took place on March 28th.

Yours truly is referring to the third title defense of WBC World Jr. Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora, who defended his title against former Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. While this fight had the classic scenario of youth versus experience in a young world champion who may very well be ascending towards the sport’s mythical pound for pound debates going against a former world champion who had more experience and had shared the ring with some of the best fighters of his era, this fight also had the aspect of a fighter in Thurman, who has been plagued by inactivity over the last several years attempting to defy all logic by trying to dethrone a world champion known as “The Towering Inferno” due to his standing nearly 6’6 and being blessed with the type of height and reach advantages that is rarely seen in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight or even the 160lb. Middleweight division. Despite only having one defeat in his career going into this challenge, which came when he lost his Welterweight world championship to Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in July 2019 in what proved to be a close and competitive bout and having both the experience and type of skillset that theoretically could have posed a threat to Fundora, Thurman had only fought twice in the last six years due to both injuries and like many fighters aligned with the PBC group of promoters, who also promoted this bout, long stretches of inactivity, which was why many felt his chances here in this fight were illogical and may have amounted to a puncher’s chance. 

The champion immediately stunned Thurman in the opening seconds of the first round with a straight left hand from the southpaw stance and would nearly score a knockdown of the former world champion in an almost carbon copy of what had transpired in the first round when Fundora connected with a left hand that badly buckled Thurman’s legs, but narrowly and some might suggest miraculously, Thurman managed to keep his balance and was able to avoid his gloves touching the canvas. From this point in the fight, the contest had seemingly been decided due largely to Fundora fighting a disciplined fight where he made full use of his height and reach advantage over the 5’8 Thurman, which beyond the challenger being able to land occasionally, resulted in him being unable to get into anything that would resemble a consistent rhythm as well as being forced to move laterally constantly in an attempt to avoid the champion’s come forward pressure approach. 

As I watched this fight, I wondered privately if Thurman would gradually find more success, particularly if he were able to get into the second half of the fight due to the constant need to move in trying to evade Fundora, which while certainly not an easy task to accomplish for any fighter at such a height and reach deficit, much less for someone who is thirty-seven years old and who has not been in active competition on a consistent basis over the last have decade, if he were able to get into the middle and late rounds, all of the aforementioned movement would have to at least slow Fundora down a little as the fight progressed. Despite that private observation by yours truly, it was clear that this developed into a scenario where one fighter was being busted up and suffering a beating at the hands of his younger, taller, and longer opponent. 

Although there would be no knockdown of the former champion Thurman, the effects of the punishment he was taking including suffering a bad cut above his left eye and being increasingly unable to land anything of the type of punches that could have kept Fundora off of him convinced Referee Thomas Taylor to step in and mercifully stop the fight at 1:16 of round six, giving Fundora his third successful title defense and his third consecutive knockout victory since becoming a world champion in March of last year.

The twenty-fourth win in twenty-six professional fights for Sebastian Fundora and being the first fighter to stop Keith Thurman serves as another step in the career of a fighter who may indeed become a part of the pound for pound debates as his career progresses. In terms of what’s next for the champion, this observer believes it may be likely that a potential unification bout between Fundora and the winner of the potential fight between Welterweight world champion Jeron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz, who currently has interim champion status in the WBC’s Jr. Middleweight ratings, may indeed be the aim at least in the short-term. Perhaps in the interim, we could see Fundora face top contender Bakary Samake of France who is the WBC Silver Jr. Middleweight champion. One thing is clear, however, if this version of Sebastian Fundora stays where he maintains discipline and makes full use of his naturally blessed gifts of height and reach, it will be very difficult for opposing fighters from Jr. Middleweight to Middleweight to combat him.

Turning back to the first fight that was covered in this column and briefly touching on what may be in store for Moses Itauma, At twenty-one years old and only having fourteen professional fights, it is rare for this observer to proclaim that a fighter with such a resume may be ready for a shot at a world championship. With two devastating knockouts against two legitimate world-rated contenders however, short, yet impressive resume or not, we may see a point perhaps by the end of this year where it will be time to say Itauma should be next in line. While I am not ready to proclaim him as the next challenger to a world champion in the Heavyweight division just yet, the time may indeed be approaching sooner than later. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Update: While this column was in development, it was announced that Jaron Ennis will challenge WBO World Jr. Middleweight champion Xander Zayas on June 27th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

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Fundora-Thurman Preview

 

Credit: Prime Video

In March of 2024, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters embarked on a new era following the end of its long-standing broadcast deal with United States premium cable network Showtime, which also coincided with the network not only exiting Boxing, but also shuttering its entire sports division as part of a broader corporate restructuring of its parent company Paramount. This led the PBC to its new home of Prime Video. The first event under their new deal was to feature then WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu defending his title against former Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman. 

An encounter that would not take place as Thurman pulled out of the bout days before it was to take place due to tearing his bicep in training. Rather than canceling the event, the PBC opted to bring in top Jr. Middleweight contender  as a replacement for the injured former Welterweight cornerstone. In a grueling and bloody fight, Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno” emerged victorious taking the WBO world title from Tszyu and also emerging with the vacant WBC crown in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division as well. Boxing is truly a sport of opportunity and there is no doubt that Fundora took full advantage of Thurman's misfortune in not only seizing the opportunity by becoming a world champion, but remaining a world champion since that faithful night of March 30, 2024. 

After being stripped of the WBO portion of the World Jr. Middleweight championship due to the politics that be in the sport, the 6 '6 Fundora has scored two knockouts in defense of the WBC Jr. Middleweight world title, including forcing the always “Game” Tszyu to submit in a rematch in July of last year. This leads us to his third title defense, which will take place on March 28th, nearly two years to the day of his becoming a world champion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, against the man he replaced in that title bout two years ago Keith Thurman in a twelve round bout that can be seen in the United States on Prime Video Pay-Per-View. The third defense of his WBC crown in just under two years, which is more active by present day standards for most world champions in the sport, has the dynamic of youth versus experience.

Fundora, a twenty-eight year old world champion who may be just entering his physical prime, against a thirty-seven year old former champion, who at one time was considered one of the best fighters in the entire sport. While the dynamic of youth versus experience is certainly not a new one, what this fight will center on will be the challenger. While Thurman ironically is known by the nickname “One Time,” which seems appropriate going into this fight given how he was once among the best in Boxing’s mythical pound for pound debates, he has become more known for much of the last decade for inactivity whether it be because of injuries or fights that were planned that for one reason or another did not come to fruition.

It is indeed true that Thurman has fought only twice since losing the WBA World Welterweight championship to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019. Although that loss remains the only setback on Thurman's record, having only fought twice since could be and probably should be viewed as a red flag as far as the odds he faces going into this fight. An old adage that this observer strongly believes in that is supported by years of seeing it with my own eyes is that inactivity is a silent killer and often does more harm to fighters in the long-term as far as the concept of “Ring Rust,” reaction time, and punch resistance than solely basing an opinion on what a fighter faces across the ring in an opponent. For his part Thurman got back in the ring in March of last year in scoring a third round knockout over a “Game,” but over matched Brock Jarvis in Australia.

Although Thurman looked good in that fight, his first in over three years at that point, and simply did what he needed to do, one might question whether the caliber of opposition in that fight as well as no further in-ring action since she Thurman is adequate preparation for this world title opportunity given both lengthy stretches of inactivity throughout his career as well as trying to come back from injuries and advancing age. Based on the above alone, it is not hard to understand why some would consider Thurman a significant underdog going into this fight. There are also things to consider with regard to what will be standing across this ring from him on March 28th.

The primary hurdle for virtually every opponent Sebastian Fundora has faced is he not only has been blessed with significant height and reach advantages over most, if not, all his opposition in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, he is also a southpaw that has a good mix of hand speed, punching power, and tries to walk down his opponents with near non-stop pressure. The champion has won twenty-three of his twenty-five professional fights and the one loss on his record came in April 2023 when he was caught by a left hook, right hook combination from contender Brian Mendoza that dropped him in the seventh round and he was not able to beat the count. Though that knockout obviously showed that it is possible to hit Fundora if one can find a way to get on the inside of his 80” reach, it has proven to be a task that has been easier said than done for opponents outside of that one instance and to Fundora’s credit, he not only rebounded to win a world title in a short period of time after that setback, he has been able to withstand offense when he's had to since, most notably in his world title victory over Tim Tszyu in their first fight.

At his best, Keith Thurman was an exciting come forward fighter that brought the fight to his opponents with punching power and deceptive hand speed. The task at hand for the challenger will be to see if he can rekindle some of his prime form and be able to get on the inside of Fundora’s reach, though some will concede that he will likely have to take some punishment to get close to the champion in order to have a shot here. On the flip side, if Fundora chooses to box behind a consistent jab and keep Thurman on the outside with his reach, the question might be whether he boxes towards a potential lopsided decision victory or if he will try to gradually break Thurman down as the fight progresses.

It is logical to assume that if Keith Thurman is not successful in this fight that it could be the final time he steps into the ring. Meanwhile, if Sebastian Fundora succeeds in his third title defense, he could set his sights either on potential unification or possibly moving up to the 160lb. Middleweight division. A high stakes battle with no shortage of intrigue. We will find out who emerges victorious on Saturday, March 28th. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Fundora vs. Thurman takes place on Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen in the United States on Prime Video pay-per-view for $74.99. The broadcast will begin at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT with free preliminary bouts with the pay-per-view portion beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.

(*North American Times Only* *Check your local listings for availability internationally.*)

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

To order this card download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or click the following link: Fundora vs. Thurman.

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Fundora-Thurman PPV Card Now Available For Preorder On Prime Video

Credit: Prime Video 

The March 28th Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view card headlined by WBC World Jr. Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora defending his title against former Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, which will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV is now available for pre-order on Prime Video. The cost of this card will be $74.99 and will begin with free preliminary bouts at 5:30PM ET/2:30PM PT with the pay-per-view portion beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. (*North American Times Only. Check your local listings internationally.*)  We will have a preview of Fundora-Thurman released here on The Boxing Truth® on Wednesday, March 25th. Stay tuned. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

To order Fundora vs. Thurman download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or click the following link :  Fundora vs. Thurman 

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Gloves Off: Fundora vs. Thurman Now Streaming On Prime Video

Press Release: February 28, 2026 By Prime Video -

 

The eighth installment of Gloves Off explores the compelling, high-stakes world championship showdown between one of the sport’s hottest new stars and a crafty former champion as they headline an action-packed PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28

Credit: Prime Video 

NEW YORK—February 27, 2026— Today, Prime Video announced Gloves Off: Fundora vs Thurman. the latest installment of its compelling, all-access docuseries. Debuting Saturday, Feb. 28 on Prime Video, this edition explores the journey both WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Fundora and his formidable challenger Keith Thurman have taken in preparation for this high-stakes 154-pound world championship showdown. The PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video event is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

Few boxers have had a more satisfying two-year run than California native Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs). The reigning WBC Super Welterweight Champion, Fundora is putting his title on the line versus a fighter who excels in the international spotlight. Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) soared through the welterweight ranks, unifying the titles at 147 pounds.  Now, the seasoned Clearwater, FL native is making his first bid for a 154-pound title against a red-hot fighter in his prime.

Narrated by Barry Pepper, the series takes fans beyond the ring, blending footage of fighters' lives, families, and training, as excitement builds for this prime-time showcase in a city famous for career-defining performances.

Material Courtesy and Photo Courtesy of: Prime Video Used with permission.

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Parker And Wardley Emerge In High Stakes Pay-Per-View Showdown

Originally, this column was intended and scheduled to preview two separate pay-per-view main events scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25th. As some Boxing fans know, what was intended has obviously had to change due to the cancellation of the scheduled WBC World Jr. Middleweight championship bout between champion Sebastian Fundora and former World Welterweight champion Keith Thurman, which was due to headline a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and streamed through digital streaming entertainment and subscription platform Prime Video, being cancelled due to a hand contusion suffered by Fundora while in training for the bout. While as of this writing, the plan appears for that bout to be rescheduled as soon as possible, there remains one pay-per-view main event to take place on October 25th that will now be the sole subject of this writing, which could and should have ramifications the the Heavyweight division moving into 2026.

This observer is referring to the bout between former WBO World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and the undefeated Fabio Wardley in a scheduled twelve round fight that will headline a pay-per-view card at the O2 Arena in London, England and can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View. What makes this encounter interesting beyond it being a battle between two of the top Heavyweights in the division, which alone often is enough to draw interest is this fight presents a rarity as well that primarily due to the politics that be in the sport of Boxing and multiple sanctioning organizations, you rarely see. Two fighters, each with a number one mandatory ranking with an interim championship designation, putting their respective standings on the line. In this case in order to attempt to secure a fight with the undefeated two-time Undisputed World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker, who has been at or near the top of the Heavyweight division for most of the last decade is a one time WBO World Heavyweight champion, and after some ups and downs over the years, has worked his way back to the number one contender position in the same organization. A testament to perseverance that cannot be dismissed. Although seemingly on a career high minus the ultimate goal of regaining a world title, Parker, who has had to contend with his fair share of power punching sharks in the waters of the Heavyweight division will be tasked with facing one more in his hopes to secure another world title opportunity in the form of unbeaten “Knockout Artist” Fabio Wardley.

Wardley, who will come into this fight with a near 95% career knockout percentage, will enter as the WBA’s top contender. With a record of 19-0-1, with 18 Knockouts, few have been able to withstand the punching power Wardley has in either hand. This presents the classic scenario of a fighter noted for his ability to end fights quickly, going against a more seasoned and more experienced opponent at this level of competition.

It is not a scenario that the former world champion Parker, who will enter the bout with a record of 36-3, with 24 Knockouts, is unfamiliar. Some may recall his fights against Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Zhilei Zhang, three noted “Knockout Artists,” in which Parker suffered two losses out of those three fights. What is revealing, however, is Parker has only been stopped once in his three defeats and that was at the hands of Joe Joyce in September 2022. Parker was competitive in all three of his losses and was ahead on all three scorecards when Joyce was able to catch up to him in the eleventh round of that fight.

In thinking of how this fight might be fought from Parker’s perspective, I thought of two fights that might be similar, that he was successful and dominant in winning. Two opponents that stylistically are similar to Wardley in being “Knockout Artists” that come forward and can knock an opponent out with either hand. Yours truly is referring to his bouts with the aforementioned Zhilei Zhang and before that encounter, his bout against former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. Two fights that took place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 and 2024 respectfully.

In both fights, Parker used effective lateral movement, footwork, and timing to consistently beat both fights to the punch, often by landing variations of two, three, and four punch combinations and then using his movement to evade before either fighter could return offense consistently. Two performances by Parker, who was viewed as an underdog going into both fights that frankly should be viewed as a masterclass in effective execution by a boxer/puncher. It is an approach that Parker must implement once again in this fight.

Much like Wilder and Zhang, Fabio Wardley is not known for his quickness, but has shown more than once thus far in his career that he can end a fight with one punch if given an opening. One need look no further than Wardley’s last fight in June of this year against previously unbeaten contender Justis Huni. A fight held in rainy conditions in Portman Road Football Ground in Ipswich, England, that was dominated by Huni from the outset, frequently out throwing and outlanding Wardley in seemingly every round and often landing in combination. Huni had particular success in landing flush right hands on Wardley, which is also coincidentally one of Parker's best offensive weapons.

The accumulation of punishment along with the fact that Huni had stepped in and took the fight on short notice along with the bout being held outdoors in rainy conditions seemed to have Wardley at times seemingly on the verge of being stopped due primarily to fatigue. Just as it appeared Huni was about to make a significant shake up in the Heavyweight division, the two fighters exchanged punches midway through the tenth round. Seemingly out of nowhere, Wardley connected with an overhand right that turned certain defeat as he had lost the fight on the scorecards by that point in the bout, into a thrilling come from behind knockout victory.

As great as that knockout was and as accurate a demonstration of the power Wardley has that one can find, if one is objective they would say that Justis Huni put a significant scare into both Wardley and his promoter the Hall of Famer Frank Warren, who is also the promoter of this bout with Parker. To expand a bit further, if one were honest they would say that even though Huni up to the point where he got caught put in a career high performance in that fight, he has limited experience and Joseph Parker is both more experienced, particularly at this level of competition at or near the top of the sport, and is also lighter on his feet than Huni.

The element of danger, however, is very real and Parker must keep in mind here that he can be winning every second of every round and one lapse in focus, leaving even the slightest opening, can end up costing him the fight. Though the circumstances are/were different, Parker found himself in a similar situation as Huni when he fought Joe Joyce in September 2022 in that like Wardley, Joyce, at the time was an unbeaten “Knockout Artist” that Parker hit repeatedly throughout that fight with the type of flush right hands that would end the night for most fighters, let alone Heavyweights and like Huni, Parker seemed to have the fight well under control and winning on points when Joyce was able to catch him and knock him out. A possibility certainly exists here that a similar scenario could happen where by all accounts and without a question of doubt, Parker could find himself in control and winning every aspect of the combat. Parker knows what happened to him against Joyce and he needs to be aware not to get overly aggressive where he might be vulnerable again to being caught. Even if a scenario presents itself where he might be able to score a knockdown, he must be tactical at all times and until the final bell or a potential stoppage, approach Wardley with caution.

The approach for Fabio Wardley is both simple and complex. He needs to try and cut the ring off from Parker and try to limit his ability to move and use angles, but must also pace himself in doing so. A problem that fighters, as I have often said over the last thirty years I have covered Boxing and by extension other combat sports, that are known for their punching power is they can fall into a false sense of security in thinking that their power will be enough to get the job done every time they enter the ring and as a result, neglect developing other facets of their game in terms of tactics, strategy, the ability to pace themselves, and develop an overall well-rounded skillset, which more often than not tends to have negative effects long-term on their careers. Wardley did succeed in saving himself from defeat in his last fight, but he may not be as fortunate if he finds himself in a similar hole on the scorecards in this fight.

Whether or not the winner of this fight gets a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk, or due to the unique circumstances of this encounter, ends up potentially emerging as a unified world champion depending on what Usyk decides to do, remains to be seen. These are the types of fights, however, that I tend to look forward to more than most not only from a stylistic standpoint, but when you also throw into the equation that anything can happen, which is especially true when it comes to Heavyweights, it sparks interest. We will see if it's Parker or Wardley that comes out on top. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Parker vs. Wardley takes place on Saturday, October 25th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT for $59.99. (*North American times and pricing only.*)

(*Card and start times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times and pricing in your area, to subscribe and order this pay-per-view event please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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BREAKING: Fundora-Thurman Postponed

It has been announced that the October 25th pay-per-view card headlined by a bout between WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora defending his title against former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, which was scheduled to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV and streamed on Prime Video has been postponed due to a hand injury suffered by the champion. It has also been reported by noted Boxing journalist Mike Coppinger, currently of Ring Magazine that the scheduled co-main event, a WBC World Jr. Lightweight championship bout between between champion O'Shaquie Foster and former Jr. Featherweight world champion Stephen Fulton, will also be rescheduled.

The Fundora-Thurman card was one of two scheduled pay-per-view cards to take place on October 25th. As of this writing, the other event headlined by former WBO World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker facing top contender Fabio Wardley at the O2 Arena in London England, which will be streamed on digital sports streaming network DAZN as a pay-per-view add-on separate from it's subscription-based model, remains on as scheduled. 

We will keep readers updated on when the Fundora-Thurman card will be rescheduled as those details become available.

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Fundora Holds Onto Undisputed Flyweight Crown, Jr. Bantamweight Or Bantamweight Next?

Women’s Boxing is still experiencing the high of the first all women's Boxing card to be held inside the historic Madison Square Garden this past July, which was headlined by the third encounter between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, two undisputed world champions in the Jr. Welterweight and Featherweight divisions respectively, who along with current Undisputed Heavyweight world champion Claressa Shields, have served as cornerstones of the sport in the most recent era of Women’s Boxing.  As great and groundbreaking as that trilogy was for the sport overall, as what will likely be the final encounter and quite possibly, the final fight in each future Hall of Famer’s respective career, inevitably the question that should be asked is what fighter or fighters might be able to move into the role of helping to advance the sport further as the next star in the sport. Enter Gabriela Fundora.

Fundora, who comes from a fighting family and is the sister of current Men's WBC Jr Middleweight world champion Sebastian Fundora, has established herself as a world champion in her own right as the current Women’s Undisputed Flyweight world champion. Fundora first became a world champion in October 2023 with a fifth round knockout of IBF champion Arely Mucino, and quickly went on to fully unify the Flyweight division, becoming Undisputed world champion one year later after two successful defenses of her IBF crown  by knocking out unified WBC/WBA/WBO world champion Gabriela Alaniz in seven rounds. 

Following a successful defense of her undisputed crown in April of this year with a seventh round stoppage of Marilyn Amaya, Fundora, 16-0, with 8 Knockouts entered the ring for her next title defense on September 20th at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA. Originally, Fundora was to defend against South American Flyweight champion Ayelen Granadino of Argentina, but she was denied entry into the United States for the bout due to undisclosed reasons.  In stepped current North American Boxing Federation Flyweight champion Alexas Kubicki from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on short notice and the fight went on as scheduled. 

A recurring theme of not only Gabriela Fundora's fights, but also those of her brother's is that both are blessed with height and reach advantages that give them an advantage for the weight classes they are in over most of their opposition. In this case, Fundora used her 5’9 frame to keep Kubicki, who entered the bout with a record of 13-1, with 2 Knockouts, on the outside where Kubicki simply could not avoid Fundora’s frequent straight left, right hook combinations from the southpaw stance. Whenever Kubicki was able to close the distance and get on the inside of Fundora's reach, she was ineffective as the champion was able to tie her up in a clinch before she could get any significant offense off.

Despite being very “Game” and stepping into a world championship bout on short notice, Kubicki simply had no answers or head movement to be able to avoid Fundora's offense as the combat became increasingly one-sided as the bout went on. Seeing the effects of the punishment she was sustaining over most of the fight, Referee Ray Corona mercifully stopped the bout at :43 of the seventh round. Although Kubicki was not knocked down, the stoppage was appropriate. No one can take anything away from Alexas Kubicki and the heart she showed in this fight. All too often, however, fighters tend to be too brave for their own good and if a fighter's corner is not proactive in not only seeing the signs that their charge is out gunned, but also recognizing that they are taking too much punishment with no answer to turn things around, it is the referee's responsibility to protect the fighter from themselves.

With her latest title defense behind her, the obvious question is what's next for Gabriela Fundora? Outside of a possible fight against Ayelen Granadino, who was supposed to challenge her in this fight, assuming Granadino can either resolve her visa issues to gain entry into the United States or potentially have the bout staged at another location outside of the U.S., this observer believes the now 17-0, with 9 Knockouts Fundora should consider moving up to either the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight or 118lb. Bantamweight divisions to seek to unify a second division as many female fighters past and present have done in moving up and down in weight based largely on what opportunities might be available both in terms of financially as well as for world championships.  Fundora is only twenty-three years of age and it did not take her long to essentially clean out the 112lb. Flyweight division. Based on her natural advantages physically as well as her skillset, it is hard to envision her being challenged at this point in the Flyweight division, but her status as not only an undisputed world champion, but also one of the sport’s rising stars will likely open opportunities for her as she moves up in weight. 

As has been the case with many great fighters both male and female, this may only be chapter one of what has all the potential of a great career. It may not be long where like Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor before her, Gabriela Fundora, is viewed as a cornerstone of Women’s Boxing. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Bohachuk-Ortiz Thoughts

The first two weeks of August in Professional Boxing have seen a focus on the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division. First, it was Terence Crawford becoming a four-division world champion by scoring a close twelve round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten WBA world champion Israil Madrimov at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. A fight where for the first time in Crawford's career, he seemed to be pushed in what was a competitive bout from start to finish where there also seemed to be a little doubt under a scenario where Crawford was forced to go the twelve round world championship distance for the first time in eight years.

While this observer feels Israil Madrimov did enough to at least warrant a rematch with Crawford based on how competitive that fight was, the spotlight remained on the division on August 10th when another fight that could well have ramifications for Crawford's future took place. Yours truly is referring to the battle between top contenders Serhii Bohachuk and Vergil Ortiz, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

The fight, where Interim/Regular champion status in the WBC’s Jr. Middleweight ratings, a designation held by Bohachuk, brought together two fighters who are known for their ability to score knockouts, and this fight at least in theory, would establish a mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Sebastian Fundora. It would not disappoint.

In contrast to Madrimov-Crawford where the contest was fought at a highly technical and tactical pace, which one might say was similar in some ways to how numerous bouts in the amateur ranks are fought, this was a contest where the two fighters were willing to stand in close and engage with each other, throwing hard punches from the opening bell. Bohachuk scored a knockdown of Ortiz in the first round with an overhand right. While this was incorrectly ruled a slip upon it occuring, it would be corrected prior to the start of the fifth round due to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) using video review of the knockdown, otherwise known as the instant replay rule, which is not the universal standard in the sport that it should be, but is legal and used when appropriate in the state of Nevada. 

The blown call in the first round, corrected via review during the course of the fight notwithstanding, it did little to change the high pace in which the fight was fought in what quickly became a close battle of wills.

Vergil Ortiz seemed to be the more active of the two fighters in several rounds, but Serhii Bohachuk seemed to be landing the harder punches of the two when he did let his hands go. When such a conundrum presents itself, it can be difficult to distinguish who is getting the upper hand, but upon the ruling prior to the fifth round, I immediately questioned to myself as to whether or not the knockdown in the first round would end up being the deciding factor in determining the outcome. Neither fighter really gave up much ground to the other and a brief knockdown, what is often referred to as a “Flash Knockdown" could well determine who wins simply because more often than not, rounds where there is a single knockdown scored is scored 10-8 in favor of the fighter who dropped their opponent.

There seemed to be some clarity, at least in my eyes, when Bohachuk was able to score a second knockdown of Ortiz early in the eighth round.. Much like the knockdown in round one, the second knockdown was not one where Ortiz was in significant trouble and/or hurt, but was briefly knocked down to the canvas. With two knockdowns and thus two 10-8 rounds being scored in his favor, I felt Bohachuk was getting the edge in a close and competitive fight. 

Following the second knockdown, Ortiz was invigorated and responded aggressively in trying to press Bohachuk landing hard, thudding punches. If it were not for the knockdown against him earlier in the round, Ortiz likely would have won it. Ortiz would continue his aggression from rounds nine through twelve in rallying to earn a hard fought twelve round majority decision. 

Although there was not much to distinguish between the two fighters for the first six rounds of the fight, simply because when Ortiz would land something that appeared significant, Bohachuk would respond immediately or it would be the reverse scenario where Ortiz would respond quickly to what Bohachuk had landed, I felt some of the rounds, though very close, swayed towards Bohachuk. This in addition to the two knockdowns he scored in rounds one and eight, resulted in my unofficial scorecard being 116-110 in favor of Bohaychuk. While it was indisputable who got the upper hand from the time of the second knockdown in round eight, I felt Ortiz did not do enough to overcome those knockdowns and frankly felt that he ran out of time. If the fight had been scheduled for the classic world championship distance of fifteen rounds, something this observer has long advocated to see a return to, I may have arrived at a different scorecard at the end of the fight.

Nonetheless, Ortiz emerging victorious in this fight is not something I would call a bad decision or the often tiresome claim many fans use when an outcome does not go in favor of the fighter they support, “A Robbery." It comes down to what a judge favors based on clean punching, effective aggression, ring generalship, and defense. When there are several rounds that could be scored either way, as was the case in this fight, opinions can indeed differ. It just appeared difficult to ignore two knockdowns, which under many circumstances, would determine the outcome.

For the second week in a row, a fight occurred in the Jr. Middleweight division that was close, competitive, and not expected to be in the eyes of many. As was the case with Madrimov-Crawford, I find myself wanting to see more. Perhaps it might be a good idea to stage the respective rematches of these two fights on the same card in the near future.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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Tszyu-Fundora: A High Stakes Showdown In Las Vegas

What was originally supposed to be a pay-per-view debut for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters on March 30th on their new broadcast platform of Prime Video, that some would call a new chapter, which was to be headlined by a non-title Jr. Middleweight bout between former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu, saw a wrinkle emerge last week when Thurman was forced to withdraw due to what has been reported to be a bicep injury. While this might have caused the promotional banner to postpone the card under most circumstances, the pay-per-view production, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV will be moving forward.

On what was a little more than twelve days notice, rather than competing in what was to be a non-title bout, Tszyu will now defend his WBO crown against contender Sebastian Fundora. It is not unusual for a change of opponent to occur on short notice, which at times can be shorter than the under two-week window in which this fight has come about. Injuries that occur during training for a fight, which is what happened to Keith Thurman, is unfortunately something that comes with the territory of all combat sports, not just Boxing. What is unusual however, is in this case two fighters, who were each preparing to compete on the same card in separate bouts, now are facing each other under a scenario where the stakes are high.

This is due to not only the fact that Tszyu, who is unbeaten in twenty-four professional fights, will not only be putting his WBO world championship on the line, but both fighters will now have an opportunity to become a unified world champion in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division as the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) world championship will also be at stake. Although there will no doubt be some criticism of that as well as the fact that Fundora, who is coming off of a knockout loss in his last fight, now essentially has the chance to hit a jackpot, it is a scenario where for all the uncertainty that has surrounded the PBC group of promoters in recent years, as well as losing their longtime broadcast home Showtime Sports at the end of last year, when its parent company Paramount global decided to end the network’s 37 year involvement in the sport of Boxing and along with it, completely shuttered Showtime’s sports division as well, this, one might argue, is a case where they have made the best out of a bad situation.

After all, Las Vegas is known as a high stakes city where thousands upon thousands travel every year to test their luck and roll the dice in hopes of winning big and having the opportunity, at least in theory, to change their lives in an instant. While the previous statement by this observer might be viewed by the reader as essentially a promo that could be used by one of the many casinos on the Vegas strip, in a Boxing context, the winner of this fight, one that prior to a week ago was not in the works, will not only emerge as a unified world champion, but will arguably be the number one fighter in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division.

The fight itself features what could be on paper a collision of two fighters with a similar approach. Both Tszyu and Fundora are come forward pressure fighters that are aggressive and look to break their opponents down. The edge in terms of punching power likely will land on the side of the champion Tszyu, who much likes his father many years ago, the Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, has knockout power in either hand and has scored seventeen knockouts in his twenty-four career wins, registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 71% compared to Fundora’s thirteen in twenty career wins with a current career knockout percentage of 65%.

Where things may tip in favor of the challenger is in terms of both height and reach. Fundora in addition to being a southpaw, stands at nearly 6’6 and has an 80” reach, which will give him a significant advantage over the champion, who stands at nearly 5’9 and has a near 71” reach. Despite his physical advantages, which is rare for a Jr. Middleweight, Fundora often neglects those natural gifts. Although he tends to throw a lot of jabs, which if done properly should keep a shorter opponent on the outside where he has trouble getting inside of that reach where opportunities to land punches theoretically open up, Fundora willingly gives up that advantage and has shown a willingness to fight on the inside where the physics are not in his favor. It was such willingness that led to his downfall in his last fight when Fundora engaged in a fight with Brian Mendoza, who was able to knock Fundora out with a left hook, right hand combination to the head in the seventh round in April of last year.

While the knockout loss Fundora suffered at the hands of Mendoza, who went on to lose a twelve round unanimous decision to Tszyu later in 2023, should not be viewed as a career-ender as brutal as it was, Fundora has been given a golden opportunity to fight for a unified world championship coming off of such a loss. It will be interesting to see if he has learned in the near year since that fight how to use his physical advantages, to “Fight Tall,” because if he does not respect Tszyu’s punching power, it could prove costly in this fight.

In contrast to Fundora, Tszyu, who boxes out of an orthodox stance, must find a way to get on the inside of the challenger’s reach. While this can be easier said than done, there are a few aspects that the champion might be able to use to his advantage. Beyond Fundora’s neglecting his natural advantages physically in previous fights, he also has a habit of keeping his right hand low and tends to leave his chin up where if he can get close, he is susceptible to being hit, as he was against Mendoza, who frequently connected with right hands, the primary way to combat a southpaw if you are a conventional boxer, which worked well for Mendoza. The key for the champion will be whether or not he will be able to time Fundora’s jab, which he tends to pump out with consistency and volume from the opening bell to get on the inside, assuming the challenger has learned to use his physical attributes rather than willingly fight in close. If Fundora uses a similar approach as he did in his last fight, it will play right into Tszyu’s hands and we could see a similar outcome as the one Fundora experienced against Mendoza.

While this fight is one that due to the circumstances that brought it to fruition does not offer either fighter much time to prepare, it indeed comes with the territory in combat sports and the top fighters in any combat sport should know how to adapt to a change of opponent on short notice. From a business perspective however, it remains to be seen how successful this fight and event will be for the PBC group of promoters as they embark on their next chapter in a streaming age with Prime Video as its broadcast home. Despite the criticism the PBC has taken in recent years for over using the pay-per-view model in an era where consumers are continuing to reject its use in favor of more consumer-friendly subscription-based options, which led to the downfall of Showtime Sports  this is a case where they are trying to make the best of a bad situation. 

Whether or not this pay-per-view debut ends up exceeding expectations remains to be seen.  Tszyu-Fundora does figure to be an entertaining fight if the styles that both champion and challenger have shown in the past each emerge in this fight.  With a position as a unified world champion and a chance to be the central figure in the Jr. Middleweight division on the line, we will see who comes out on top on Saturday, March 30th.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.” 

PBC: Tszyu vs. Fundora takes place on Saturday, March 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  The full card can be seen on digital streaming network Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis for $69.99 and will be available to both Amazon Prime members as well as non-members to stream beginning at 6PM ET/3PM PT with free preliminary bouts, which will be followed by the main pay-per-view card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT. The card will also be available on traditional cable/satellite providers.  Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information.  To order on Prime Video download the Prime Video app on your streaming device of choice or click the following link PBC On Prime. (*Prime Video access to this event available in the United States and Canada Only. * *Check your local listings internationally.*)

(*Card and Start time subject to change.*)

For more information about Premier Boxing Champions including schedules please visit: www.PremierBoxingChampions.com.

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Tszyu-Fundora PBC On Prime Video Pay-Per-View Card Now Available For Preorder

The upcoming pay-per-view card, which will signify the debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters on their new broadcast home of Prime Video is available for preorder at the following link PBC On Prime  or through the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet at connected streaming devices and Smart TVs for $69.95 and is available to both Amazon Prime and non-prime members. The card, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV on March 30th will be headlined by undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu defending his title against Sebastian Fundora. It has also been announced that the vacant WBC world championship in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division will also be on the line in the bout. 

We will have a preview of Tszyu-Fundora available for readers here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, March 27th. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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BREAKING: THURMAN INJURED, TSZYU TO FACE FUNDORA FOR UNIFIED JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MARCH 30TH IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS DEBUT PAY-PER-VIEW CARD ON PRIME VIDEO

It has been announced that former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled non-title Jr. Middleweight debut against undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Tim Tszyu due to a bicep injury suffered while in training for the fight. The bout, which was due to main event a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters as their debut on Prime Video  from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV will go on as scheduled with the card now being headlined by Tszyu now defending his WBO championship against Jr. Middleweight contender Sebastian Fundora. Fundora, who is coming off of a knockout loss, the first of his career, in his last fight in April of last year at the hands of Brian Mendoza, who went on to lose a twelve round unanimous decision to Tszyu in October of last year. 

Fundora (20-1-1, with 13 Knockouts) was due to make his return on the undercard of Tszyu-Thurman against Serhii Bohachuk for the vacant WBC world championship in the Jr. Middleweight division, he now finds himself in the main event where the vacant WBC crown will also be on the line against WBO champion Tszyu, (24-0, with 17 Knockouts) who will be making his debut on the United States. As of this writing, there is no word as to Bohachuk’s status on the card.

Tszyu vs. Fundora will be available to preorder to stream on Prime Video on Friday, March 23rd for $74.99 with the full card streaming on Saturday, March 30th at 6PM ET/3PM PT (*U.S. Times Only.) We will have a preview of Tszyu-Fundora here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, March 27th. Stay tuned.

“And That's The Boxing Truth."

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