Sebastian Fundora believes October 25 will be more than just another title defense. For the towering WBC junior middleweight champion, his showdown with Keith Thurman represents the next step in becoming one of the sport’s standard-bearers.
The pair officially launched their promotion in Los Angeles, where their differences in stature and career trajectory were hard to miss. At 6’5½, Fundora stood calm and composed as Thurman, 5’8, climbed onto a folding chair to level their staredown. Moments earlier, Thurman had stumbled while stepping away from the dais - a moment symbolic of a fighter nearing the twilight of his career.
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“Keith was a former champion, one of the pound-for-pounds back then, but it’s time for a change in the sport,” Fundora said. “I think I can be the face for it. I’m just excited for all of this and I can’t wait to return to the ring on October 25.”
Fundora will headline his fourth straight fight in Las Vegas, returning to the MGM Grand Garden Arena just three months after stopping Tim Tszyu in seven rounds to seal their rivalry. That win marked his second of 2025, following a March knockout of Chordale Booker, and capped a dramatic turnaround since his lone career defeat - a shocking knockout loss to Brian Mendoza in 2023.
The 27-year-old says activity has been key. “That’s how boxing should be done. Fans want to see their favorite fighters fight. At the end of last year, I told my father I wanted at least two fights in 2025. He said three if possible. They gave us three, and I’m grateful.”
Image Credit: PBC