In a blockbuster boxing announcement, sources have revealed that unified junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora is finalizing a deal to defend his WBC and WBO titles against top contender Chordale Booker in a March showdown in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated matchup promises to deliver fireworks in the 154-pound division.
Fundora’s Rise to the Top
Sebastian Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno” for his imposing 6-foot-5½ frame, has been a force in the junior middleweight ranks. The 27-year-old southpaw claimed the unified titles last March with a thrilling split-decision victory over Tim Tszyu in one of 2024’s best action fights.
Fundora showed incredible heart and determination to overcome Tszyu. He proved he belongs among the elite at 154 pounds.
– ESPN boxing analyst Mike Coppinger
Fundora’s title win was even more impressive considering he accepted the Tszyu fight on just 11 days’ notice after Keith Thurman withdrew due to injury. ESPN now ranks “The Towering Inferno” as the No. 2 junior middleweight in the world.
A Family Affair
Boxing is a family business for the Fundoras. Sebastian and his sister Gabriela Fundora made history by becoming the first brother-sister duo to simultaneously hold full world titles. Gabriela was named ESPN’s 2024 Female Fighter of the Year.
Booker’s Golden Opportunity
For Chordale Booker, the fight against Fundora represents the opportunity of a lifetime. The 33-year-old from Connecticut has compiled a 23-1 record since turning pro in 2016 but has yet to challenge for a world title.
- Current win streak: 6
- Last loss: 1st round KO to Ammo Williams (2022)
While Booker has impressed with his power and athleticism, he faces a massive step up in competition against Fundora. Booker will need to rely on his quick hands and explosiveness to overcome the champion’s height and reach advantages.
Spence Fight Falls Through
Fundora had originally been slated to fight former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr in a March pay-per-view headliner. However, that bout faced a series of delays before ultimately being scrapped last week.
While a fight against a star like Spence would have provided Fundora a career-high payday and massive exposure, he now turns his focus to the hungry challenger in Booker. It’s a dangerous fight for the champion, but a win would solidify his status as the man to beat at 154 pounds.
The Stakes
For Sebastian Fundora, the March battle against Booker is a chance to further unify the titles and stamp his claim as the king of the junior middleweights. A victory would set the stage for even bigger opportunities, including a potential showdown with undisputed champion Jermell Charlo.
Chordale Booker enters as the underdog, but he has everything to gain. By upsetting Fundora and claiming the WBC and WBO belts, Booker would immediately launch himself into the top tier of the 154-pound division and position himself for huge paydays.
As Fundora and Booker finalize terms and prepare to clash in Las Vegas, the boxing world eagerly awaits this high-stakes battle for junior middleweight supremacy. Will the “Towering Inferno” continue his reign, or can Booker pull off the upset of the year? The answer will come in March.
