Fundora Focused on Saturday’s Title Defense Against Hadribeaj
WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora will enter the ring on October 17th making his fourth defense of the title against Ermal Hadribeaj, and he has seen the headlines surrounding this fight in Las Vegas. While the oddsmakers have Fundora as a sizable favorite, he is not overlooking who will be across the ring from him.
“I don’t take anybody lightly,” Fundora said. “We’re in nothing but championship fights now, so I have to prepare for everyone like they’re coming to rip my head off. That’s what they’re all trying to do.”
Fundora (24-1-1, 16 KOs) has been on a three fight knockout streak with wins over Chordale Booker, Tim Tszyu, and Keith Thurman before this bout against Hadribeaj and he is aiming for another knockout on Saturday night. He has shown improvement in those fights and looks to build on that en route to a victory against the unbeaten contender from Albania.
“I’m gonna go do what I do best. I’m planning on doing what I do and get this guy out of here. Every time I step into the ring that’s what I plan on doing.”
Fundora has been training for months after his win over Keith Thurman. Photo by Gabriela Fundora
“I just want to show everyone that I’m better. When I get hit, it just gives me some extra motivation to show that I’m stronger.”
Last month, we talked with Fundora about training soon after his fight against Keith Thurman in March and he pointed out the importance of getting back in the gym as soon as possible.
“Being a professional fighter, it’s important to get in the gym,” he said. “It’s always time for work. We will have some rest, but getting back was something that I had to do. The second that you take a break is the one where you will feel its effects in your next fight.”
It was also brought up in previous conversations that Hadribeaj has looked forward to this moment to fight for a world championship and that he could be the first Albanian to become champion. While Fundora respects his opponent and the road that he took to get here, he is confident that the road stops with him.
“Hadribeaj had to work hard to get into this position to become world champion. It’s unfortunate that we have to break that dream but it’s a beautiful dream to have,” Fundora said.
With a win over Hadribeaj many will point to Fundora eventually fighting for the undisputed championship at super welterweight, and that could mean a bout against Jaron “Boots” Ennis. However, Fundora knows better than to look ahead as he has a task to complete on Saturday night.
“Me against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the best fight at 154. That’s the fight everyone wants. But we both have fights we have to get through.”
Cover photo by Cris Esqueda of Premier Boxing Champions
