GABRIELA Fundora looks to further establish herself as one of the dominant female champions of today when the Coachella Valley queen takes on Marilyn Badillo in the Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, California, later this evening.
Known as ‘Sweet Poison’, the likeable Fundora (15-0, 7 KOs), is boxing’s youngest undisputed world champion. The full stack of WBO, WBA, IBF and WBC flyweight belts will be on the line tonight against her IBF number one contender Badillo (19-0-1, 3 KOs).
“My last fight, I made history as the youngest undisputed champion in the world,” said Gabriela Fundora, whose brother Sebastian is the current WBC and WBO men’s super-welterweight champion.
“I am excited to make history again, this time defending my undisputed status against the very hungry Badillo. This is my first main event, and I can’t wait to show the world all the hard work Team Fundora puts in to be the best.”
As for challenger Badillo, the woman known as ‘La Mexicana’ is 25 years old and unbeaten in 20 bouts, including a mid-career draw. Badillo has never faced anyone on Fundora’s level and the multi-belt champion will be considered a strong favourite to not only retain her titles but also record a second consecutive stoppage. The challenger, naturally, feels otherwise.
“I worked hard to earn my spot to challenge for this undisputed championship,” said Marilyn Badillo. “I am excited to make my U.S. debut and make waves in women’s boxing.”
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya added: “This fight has all the makings of an unforgettable night and with women’s boxing at an all-time high, Fundora is leading the charge.”
Supporting the main event will be highly-ranked super-welterweight Charles Conwell (21-0, 16 KOs), who must surely be due a crack at world honours soon. Cleveland’s ‘Bad News’ faces Jorge Garcia Perez (32-4, 26 KOs). The Sinaloa fighter can punch and has never been stopped across his four losses.
“I’m so excited to get in the ring with someone ranked in the top 10,” said Charles Conwell. “It’s time to show the world just how good I am.”
Further down the card, Tristan Kalkreuth, Ruslan Abdullaev, Joel Iriarte, Jorge Chavez, Joshua Edwards, Dalis Kaleiopu and Samuel Torres all feature. As does former world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who continues his comeback.
