GABRIELA Fundora completed her first headline event in style, stopping Mexico’s Marilyn Badillo in the seventh round of their flyweight battle. The pair threw down in the Frontwave Arena, California, on a Golden Boy Promotions card.
Fundora retained her undisputed title status, leaving the ring with all four belts (WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO) intact. Improving to 16-0 (8 KOs) the 23-year-old, known as ‘Sweet Poison’, had too much for Badillo, 19-1-1 (3 KOs), who had never fought at this level before and was unable to cope.
Boxing behind her powerful jab, Fundora was able to find a home for most of her power shots as the smaller challenger bobbed, weaved and ducked out of range. Her task became harder when a bump on the head formed and began to grow, offering another target for Gabriela.
A thumping right-left combination, while Badillo was against the ropes, registered a few seconds after landing and she slumped to the canvas. Rising for a mini-walk, Badillo shook her head more than once before referee Rudy Barragan got the message at 1-44 of round seven. Fundora proceeded to celebrate her big win.
“I’m ready to collect more belts in other divisions,” Fundora said after the bout.
Moving up from 112 pounds is the only logical step as she has already cleaned out this weight class and challengers appear thin on the ground. Taking her sizeable frame north seems to be the plan. Her team and promoters will have to plot out a pathway to the next success.
