NEGOTIATIONS for a mouth-watering clash between unified super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora and mandatory challenger Xander Zayas have seemingly gathered momentum.
The pair were seen exchanging pleasantries last month, shortly after Fundora, 22-1-1 (14 KOs), successfully defended his WBC and WBO world titles with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Chordale Booker.
Having sized his rival up, highly-touted contender Zayas, 21-0 (13 KOs), then claimed that ‘The Towering Inferno,’ a 6 ft 5 inch southpaw, is not quite as tall as he had imagined.
In any case, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has since granted the respective promoters of both fighters an extension to reach a deal.
Zayas, the sanctioning body’s mandatory challenger, is of course represented by Top Rank, while Sampson Boxing and PBC collectively guide the career of Fundora.
Most of all, the fact that both parties are keen to avoid a purse bid hearing suggests that, if nothing else, there is indeed a willingness to get this matchup over the line.
On Thursday, Olivieri wrote on X: “Be advised that Top Rank/PBC have jointly requested an extension of the negotiation period [for Fundora vs Zayas]. Committee grants extension until Friday, April 25, 2025, no later than 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).”
Before ending his last outing in decisive fashion, Fundora claimed his two belts at 154lbs with a split decision victory over Tim Tszyu in 2024.
Other than that, notable victories over the likes of Erikson Lubin and Sergio Garcia have seen the 27-year-old establish himself at the top level, while a seventh-round stoppage defeat to Brian Mendoza temporarily stalled his rise in 2023.
Zayas, meanwhile, is widely considered to be a future Puerto Rican star, with his physical attributes and mindset contributing to an undeniable feeling of excitement surrounding his career.
At the age of 22, though, some may say that the sizable jump in levels to face Fundora has arrived too early.
