Sebastian Fundora, the WBC junior middleweight champion, is set to defend his title against Keith Thurman this October, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. The bout is expected to take place in Las Vegas under the PBC banner as a Prime PPV event, with speculation pointing to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 25th, though the exact date and location remain unconfirmed.
Fundora, holding a record of 23-1-1 with 15 knockouts, recently defended his title successfully against Tim Tszyu in July. This fight was a rematch from their March 2024 encounter, which Fundora won by split decision after stepping in last minute for an injured Thurman. The second fight was more definitive, as Fundora forced a stoppage before the eighth round. At 27 years old, Fundora aims to solidify his status with a third world title defense.
Thurman, with a 31-1 record and 23 knockouts, is 36 years old and has fought only twice since his 2019 victory over Manny Pacquiao. This upcoming fight marks his second attempt at competing at 154 pounds after a dominant run as the welterweight champion from 2016 to 2019.
A contract for the bout was first reported by The Boxing Scene.
Fan Take: This matchup is significant for fight fans because it pits a young, rising star with relentless momentum against a seasoned veteran looking to reclaim his prime. The outcome could reshape the junior middleweight division and highlight the evolving landscape of boxing’s elite fighters.
