Sebastian Fundora is preparing for his third title fight in just seven months, as he faces former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman on October 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The WBC super-welterweight champion has already scored knockout wins over Chordale Booker and Tim Tszyu this year and sees victory over Thurman as another step toward cementing his place among boxing’s elite.
The 27-year-old southpaw acknowledged Thurman’s legacy but made clear he feels unthreatened. “I have no concerns with Keith Thurman, none at all,” Fundora said. “That’s what made Keith Thurman a champion. But now it’s my time, and my turn to knock him out.” Thurman has fought just twice since his 2019 defeat to Manny Pacquiao and attempted to rattle Fundora by mocking his 6ft 6in frame with chants of “Timber!”
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Despite the trash talk, Fundora expressed gratitude for the matchup, recalling an encounter with Thurman during their amateur days when the Floridian offered advice. “Growing up, he was boxing to me, watching him fight all these great fighters. Now, being here with him, it’s great for me,” Fundora said.
A win would bolster Fundora’s claim for Fighter of the Year recognition, with three high-level victories in 2025 already under his belt. He credits his success to his father and trainer, Freddy Fundora, whose mountain-based training methods have also guided his sister, Gabriela Fundora, to undisputed flyweight champion status. “Our coach tells us to do something, we do it. Run at 6 in the morning, spar, run the mountains. Listen and do your job and you won’t get tired,” Fundora explained.
For Fundora, the respect shown to Thurman doesn’t mask his belief that the outcome is inevitable. “Everything’s gone right, and you’re seeing the results,” he said. “Now we’re here as a champion fighting another former champion on a pay-per-view card. This is my time.”
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Image Credit: The Ring