Sebastian Fundora has finally stopped growing, at six feet six inches, ahead of his WBC and WBO super welterweight title defense.
‘The Towering Inferno’ puts his belts on the line this weekend against Chordale Booker as he aims to build on a solid win over Tim Tszyu. Fundora has been out of action for a year, suffering from injuries, but says the extra time has helped his body fully develop.
As the tallest welterweight of all time, Fundora [21-1-1, 13 KOs] towered over Booker as the pair went face-to-face during fight week. Holding a sizeable advantage, Fundora can’t wait to compete on the world-famous strip again.
“The older I get, the more I feel like I’ve been learning in this sport. I was still growing into my man body. I feel like I’m fully a man now,” said Fundora.
“But I definitely think I’m a better fighter now that I’ve won these belts. I was confident before, but now I have extra confidence in being a champion. And I proved to the world that I’m the best in this division.
“I was the underdog in my last fight [against Tszyu], and you all saw how that went. We’re not looking past Booker. This is what we’ve been focused on for three months. We’re going to show everyone what we came to do.”
On topping the Mandalay Bay, Fundora added, “I’m very excited to have another headliner here in the boxing capital of the world of Las Vegas and defend these two titles. I’m ready for Saturday night.
“I think I showed my boxing skills and what I can do with my jab in my last fight. I’ll be ready to do it again if I have to on Saturday night.
“The best defense is offense. If you’re not punching, they’re gonna be punching you. There’s only one thing in boxing: it’s simple. You have to throw punches.”
Ahead of the most daunting career challenge, Booker [23-1, 11 KOs] stated, “Fundora covers a lot of distance, so it’s not easy to avoid getting into a firefight with him. I don’t care how I have to fight to get the win, though. I’ve trained to shock the world.
“I don’t think anyone can really prepare for Fundora’s size until you get in the ring and go a few rounds with him. You have to get a gauge for how tall he is and how long his arms are. We brought sparring partners in who simulated him as best they could, and I think I’m going to be just fine with the height.
“Some people like Fundora just enjoy going toe-to-toe because that’s their style, and that’s what they’re better at. He was actually boxing in the Tim Tszyu fight, so I’m prepared for anything.”
On the 154-pound division, Booker added, “Everybody at the top of the division has been on my radar. Fundora is the guy with the belts, so I was excited to take on the challenge.
“I think this is the best weight class in boxing because we have so many different guys who could win on a given night. It’s the most competitive division in the sport.
Fundora vs Booker tops PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video this Saturday, March 22. The Las Vegas event is live from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Tickets for the live event, promoted by TGB Promotions, Sampson Boxing, and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now at AXS.com.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
