LAS VEGAS — One of the best divisions in boxing, super welterweight, continues with aplomb on Saturday, March 28 as Sebastian Fundora defends his WBC championship against the former unified welterweight champion, Keith Thurman, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The all-bark, no-bite bout between Vergil Ortiz and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis may dominate 154-pound headlines, but Xander Zayas’s title unification win over Abass Baraou last month, and the Fundora vs Thurman fight next, there are timely reminders that it’s far more than a two-man division.
“It’s the best,” Fundora told Boxing Social weeks out from his title defense — the third of his career after picking up the belt with a split decision over Tim Tszyu in 2024, and putting it on the line twice since.
“There are so many names,” the 28-year-old told us. “It’s just who has the better marketing. [Turki] Alalshikh is backing Ortiz and Ennis, and he’s pushing them, which is good. Because by the time we fight them, they’ll be the guy, and when we win, we’ll be the guy.”
Fundora’s confidence isn’t misplaced.
At 6-foot-6, and with an 80-inch wingspan, Fundora is laughably huge for the division, and he continues to improve with every fight, developing from an inside fighter to a more well-rounded champion in recent years.
After winning a Fight of the Year contender over Erickson Lubin in 2022, he rebounded from a knockout loss to Brian Mendoza the following year, to win three in a row in fan-friendly fashion.
“I always felt the best in the division,” Fundora said. “And when the time comes [against Ortiz vs Boots winner], we’ll show you guys again why we’re here.”
First, Fundora must dispatch Thurman, arguably the biggest name on his resume.
“I expect a vintage Thurman but whether it’s vintage or veteran Keith, I’ll be ready,” Fundora finished. “And whatever he brings we’ve been training hard to stop.”
Fundora vs Thurman airs Mar. 28 atop a Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV card.