Unified junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora is now expected to fight in a non-pay-per-view bout on March 29, following news that Errol Spence Jr. has withdrawn from their previously planned showdown on the same date. According to Fundora’s manager Sampson Lewkowicz, Spence, 34, “pulled out – finally,” putting an end to speculation.
Fundora previously picked up a bloody split decision over Tim Tszyu on March 30 and was greeted in the ring by Spence, hoping to set up a big fight later in 2024. Spence, a former three-belt titlist at welterweight, has been out of action since his crushing loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023. Adding to that, Spence and trainer Derrick James parted ways, and the two have reportedly sued each other.
The WBO had already ruled that Spence wouldn’t be recognized as its champion if he beat Fundora, noting his brutal knockout defeat to Crawford, his never having fought at 154 pounds, and not being ranked in the WBO’s top 15. Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC junior middleweight titles, will likely now look to defend against another contender. Though a number of fighters rank in the WBO’s top 15, reports suggest Fundora’s team might pick someone else for the March 29 date due to financial and scheduling constraints.
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Several factors limit the pool of potential opponents. Israil Madrimov and Vergil Ortiz Jr. are already booked for a February 22 clash in Saudi Arabia, while the IBF titleholder Bakhram Murtazaliev observes Ramadan. Former undisputed champion Jermell Charlo remains sidelined following his September 2023 loss to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Therefore, with a limited window for promotion and a non-PPV budget, Fundora may opt for a less formidable challenger to handle his first unified defense before returning to the division’s deep field of contenders.
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