Fundora not distracted by Thurman’s trash talking ahead of March 28th fight
WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs) makes his 3rd defense of the title on March 28th against Keith Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) in Las Vegas, and he wants to send a message to the weight class that he should be considered as the best in the division.
“I still feel like I’m at the top of the division,” Fundora said. “Beating this former world champion will make a big statement. This is gonna remind everyone that we are at the top.”
This bout was originally scheduled for October 28th but a hand injury suffered by Fundora postponed the fight. He has spent weeks in rehab then followed it with training camp preparing to fight the former unified champion. Thurman has the experience in big fights over the years as he has headlined multiple events while Fundora will be in the pay per view spotlight for the first time in his career.
Sebastian doing pad drills ahead of his bout with Keith Thurman on March 28th
Fundora has worked on multiple things in camp while recovering from his hand injury, and the extra time had the Coachella native go over a few drills.
“Camp has been good since recovering from the hand injury,” he said. “Having more time to focus on one opponent is always a blessing. It was disappointing to have to postpone the fight, but things happen in boxing and in life. You just have to roll with the punches.”
With two wins over Tim Tsyzu and a victory over Chordale Booker in his last three fights, Fundora is coming into this fight with a lot of momentum. His opponent will be looking to get a world title in a second division as Thurman unified at welterweight with a win over Danny Garcia. Last March, Thurman had his debut at 154 with a stoppage victory over Brock Jarvis.
In the press conferences for this bout Thurman had a lot to say about Fundora. He even had t-shirts made to mock the WBC champion. However, Fundora is unbothered from the actions of his opponent.
Thurman with a shirt stating that he will chop down Fundora on March 28th.
“I’m not distracted by the talking. It doesn’t bother me one bit,” Fundora said. “Keith’s trash talk is good for TV, that’s what I’ll say. He’s always been the bad guy going into a fight because of that. And he backs it up a lot. But this time he’s not gonna be able to back it up.”
Fundora trains at home with his father leading the camp as head trainer and also with his younger sister Gabriela who holds the undisputed title at flyweight. Both Sebastian and Gabriela are preparing for fights this month.
“Having Gabriela training alongside me is a good reminder that show’s me what’s working and what needs to be done,” said Fundora. “Watching her fight is gonna give me a good lesson for what can work for me in this fight and what can’t.”
With the fight being weeks away, Fundora is eager to step into the big stage at MGM Grand Garden Arena and show that he should be known as the best fighter at super welterweight.
“Every time we fought in Vegas and at MGM, it’s been a great fight. I’m fighting one of the best fighters of this era, so make sure you tune in and watch this live. You’re gonna see the king of 154 do his thing all over again.”
Photos by Ryan Hafey of Premier Boxing Champions
