On Wednesday in L.A., WBC junior middleweight champ Sebastian Fundora and former world welterweight champ Keith Thurman met the media in advance of their re-scheduled world title fight for late March.
WBC junior middleweight world champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman came face to face Wednesday afternoon at a Los Angeles press conference ahead of their highly anticipated, but delayed showdown.
The two are headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday night March 28th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Originally scheduled to clash last October, the bout was postponed after Fundora, 23-1-1, 15 KOs, suffered a hand contusion during sparring. Now fully healthy, Fundora returns to action in what promises to be a compelling clash of styles and a high-stakes battle between two elite competitors. The 6'6" towering, pressure-fighting champion meets the polished, power-punching veteran Thurman in a matchup that has intrigue written all over it.
Tensions were evident at Wednesday’s press conference, as Thurman, 31-1-1, 23 KOs, confidently predicted what he will do, when he finally gets his hands on Fundora.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Avalon Hollywood:
First, the champ on his injury,
“We had this fight scheduled for October before the hand injury, but we’re healthy and ready to do it now. We’re gonna go in there and do what we always do. I’m gonna retain this title and remain world champion...
This is a fight that people wanted to see and we’re happy to provide. The injury (during sparring in September 2025) was just one of those things that happen. We just had to wait for it to heal."
On Thurman's trash talk as the challenger,
“Right now it’s all just talk. He’s an experienced fighter, and anything can happen in boxing, but we train to be prepared for anything. When you do that, things will come out your way....
“I think everybody underestimates me. That’s part of the game. Whatever they say, you just have to go out there and show everyone what you’re made of.
“This is my third time fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and this time we’re headlining and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I have to take advantage of it.”
The 28 year old Fundora, is coming off two knockouts in his two defenses last year. The latest was an emphatic, rematch stoppage of Tim Tszyu in seven rounds last July. Fundora he had controversially decisioned Tszyu in 2024.
Watch highlights of Fundora demolishing Tsyzu here:
Fundora had also pummeled Chordale Booker in defense of his WBC title in a four round KO last march March.
As for the outspoken Thurman, he didn't disappoint Wednesday,
"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. Fundora is a man of few words, but many punches. And because of that, you can guarantee that this pay-per-view is a can’t-miss.
“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."
Thruman continued,
“To me, the real great champions are the type of champions who stumble, only to rise up again. That’s what I’m trying to do right here right now.
“I’m already a stamped Hall of Famer for what I accomplished at welterweight. But what I love about this fight is that there are only so many fighters from my generation who are still here today. There is a plethora of young fighters that have taken over, including Sebastian Fundora. I believe in my skills and my talent. Say I’m the gatekeeper, but I’m the final boss."
The 37 year old Thurman has been largely inactive for the last three years, having only fought and won a third round KO of little known Brock Jarvis in Australia in March of last year.
Thurman has had a total of three fights in six and half years since losing a decision and his welterweight title to future hall of famer Manny Pacquao in July of 2019.
The pay-per-view will be available for purchase on Prime Video regardless of Prime membership, as well as through traditional cable and satellite providers and PPV.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.