SPITEFUL, vulnerable and impossibly tall are just a few ways to describe unified super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora.
Without wishing to label him as a circus attraction of sorts, fans will often tune in to see ‘The Towering Inferno’ for those three very specific reasons.
Of course, his WBC and WBO title defence against Chordale Booker tomorrow evening is far from the most mouth-watering matchup that can be made.
But still, when considering a selection of his most notable victories, it is no wonder that Fundora, 21-1-1 (13 KOs), remains a must-see fighter.
Sebastian Fundora vs Nathaniel Gallimore
As always, Fundora entered his first acid test in the professional ranks with an extraordinary height and reach advantage.
His enormous frame, however, is so often deceptive, with the spindly southpaw opting to trade with many of his opponents in the pocket.
Sure enough, he did just that against Nathaniel Gallimore, a rugged gatekeeper known for going the distance in the majority of his fights.
When the pair squared off in 2020, though, Fundora’s thudding shots on the inside ultimately proved too much for the seasoned veteran, who was halted for the first time in his career following a punishing sixth round.
Sebastian Fundora vs Erickson Lubin
This, at the time, was a flip of the coin matchup, with both operators having established themselves as promising contenders at 154lbs.
Following his devastating first-round stoppage defeat to Jermell Charlo in 2017, Lubin had responded by amassing several impressive wins to climb back up the rankings.
As expected, his encounter with Fundora just over three years ago made for a compelling spectacle, with the two tenacious operators going hell for leather from the opening bell.
Lubin was first to hit the canvas, finding himself on the receiving end of a lethal right uppercut in only the second round before returning the favour down the stretch.
But after clambering back to his feet in the seventh round, Fundora continued to pile on the pressure. With his brave opponent getting pulled out due to some nasty swelling around both eyes, he was then able to claim a monumental victory.
Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora
While Fundora’s offensive prowess can never be questioned, he has, at times, been known to leave himself wide open to a barrage of counters.
His defensive frailties, therefore, were largely exposed by Tim Tszyu, who sent a plethora of looping shots over the top of his opponent’s leaky guard when they collided last year.
It would be impossible not to mention their infamous second round, either, where a horrific cut opened on top of Tszyu’s head following an accidental elbow.
From that point onwards, the Australian’s hopes of retaining his WBO strap had significantly diminished, with Fundora swiftly capitalising on his opponent’s misfortune before claiming a highly contentious split decision.
