Fundora Treats Keith Thurman Fight as Business as Usual

Sebastian Fundora defends his WBC junior middleweight title against Keith Thurman on March 28, a booking that places a tall pressure champion in with a former welterweight belt holder chasing relevance at a higher weight.

Fundora returns from a hand injury that postponed their first date last October. Thurman arrives with a thinner activity line than most challengers carry into a sanctioned title fight. Matchmakers still view his name as sellable. That calculation tends to open doors.

They met in Los Angeles for the first formal stare down before heading toward the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on a PBC pay per view distributed through Prime Video.

Height Meets Timing

Fundora spoke in the controlled manner that has followed him through title fights.

“We had this fight scheduled for October before the hand injury, but we’re healthy and ready to do it now. I’m gonna retain this title and remain world champion.”

He acknowledged Thurman’s experience without leaning into prediction.

“He’s an experienced fighter, and anything can happen in boxing, but we train to be prepared for anything.”

Fundora fights tall and accepts exchanges at a range most trainers would trim. Opponents find his chin without searching long. He keeps punching through it. That habit has produced rounds judges remember.

Thurman moved straight toward the champion’s durability.

“I already see the mistakes that he’s unfortunately gonna be making on March 28. Boxing isn’t about the talk though, it’s about delivering in the ring.”

“Beating me would be the greatest accomplishment of your career Fundora, don’t lie to yourself…You have been hit and not gotten off the canvas. I’m happy to make you experience it again.”

Thurman has spent recent camps working with taller sparring partners.

“I was starting to get used to the height and reach discrepancy last camp and now I’m just activating that muscle memory for this camp.”

He also placed his name inside a historical lane.

“I’m already a stamped Hall of Famer for what I accomplished at welterweight.”

Fighters tend to reference legacy when the runway shortens.

What The Fight May Reveal

Fundora’s volume shapes fights even when he absorbs clean counters. His jab lands from a steep angle and his uppercut travels inside where shorter opponents expect space. Defensive gaps stay present. Elite punchers track those openings.

Thurman once controlled distance with his feet and released sharp combinations after drawing leads. Layoffs interrupt that rhythm. Timing usually returns through rounds. Trainers watch the legs first.

The division has grown crowded with younger contenders who keep a higher tempo. A champion who trades willingly provides opportunity. A challenger with seasoned eyes can still read those patterns if the trigger responds on cue.

Fundora’s work rate should bank early rounds if he establishes the jab and keeps his chest over his front foot. Thurman requires clean counters that earn respect before the middle sessions. Twelve rounds favor the champion’s pace. A sudden knockdown remains the variable that keeps this pairing honest.